Location: Washington County, ID | Metro: Payette County, ID
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,260 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,441 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,563 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,040 | $292,162 | 0.36% | F |
| 3BR | $1,440 | $375,826 | 0.38% | F |
| 4BR | $1,740 | $437,050 | 0.4% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls for a Section 8 landlord in ZIP 83661, Payette, ID, are significant. Tenant turnover could be a major issue, as the market rent of $1,475 stands far above the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,030 for fiscal year 2026 in the metro area. This discrepancy suggests that tenants might struggle to cover the difference between the FMR and the actual market rent, leading to higher turnover rates.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The Days on Market (DOM) is not available, which makes it difficult to predict how long a unit might remain vacant. In an area where the typical home value is $368,433 and the median income is $59,351, landlords should expect a challenging time finding tenants willing to pay the market rent without substantial financial assistance. This could lead to prolonged vacancies, impacting cash flow.
The deferred-maintenance exposure is also noteworthy. With a typical home value of $368,433, landlords must be prepared to invest in property maintenance. Section 8 properties often require more upkeep due to the nature of subsidized housing, and the lower median income of $59,351 may mean that tenants have limited resources to address minor issues themselves, increasing the landlord's responsibility for maintenance.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the high renter share in the area. At 34.9%, there is a large population of renters, which typically translates into higher demand for rental units, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers. This strong rental market can help offset some of the challenges associated with tenant turnover and vacancy exposure.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 83661, Payette, ID.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.