Location: Washington County, ID | Metro: Washington 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 | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,940 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,250 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,722 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,858 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,160 | $261,308 | 0.44% | F |
| 3BR | $1,530 | $359,170 | 0.43% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median income in ZIP 83672, which includes Weiser, ID, stands at $51,045. At the current market rate of $937 per month for rent, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), a household in this area would spend approximately 22.3% of their annual income on rent alone. This calculation is based on a yearly rent cost of $11,244, which is derived from multiplying the monthly rate by 12.
In comparison, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) standard for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,130 per month. This represents an even higher burden on the average household, amounting to nearly 27.4% of the annual income when considering a yearly rent cost of $13,560. The disparity between the market rate and the FMR suggests that the latter is less affordable for the typical resident of Weiser, ID.
The ZIP code has a rental population of 9,176, with 27.1% of residents being renters. Given the median income and the rent rates, there exists a significant affordability gap. This means that many households may struggle to meet the costs of renting without financial assistance, leading to increased competition among landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers versus those who rely solely on cash-paying tenants.
Landlords should consider the following strategy: accepting Section 8 vouchers can help fill units that might otherwise remain vacant due to the high rent burden relative to local incomes. While the voucher payment standard is lower than the FMR, it ensures a steady and reliable source of income. On the other hand, focusing on cash-paying tenants could result in higher rents but also greater vacancy rates, especially if potential renters cannot afford the market rate.
Takeaway: For landlords in ZIP 83672, embracing a mixed strategy that includes both Section 8 voucher holders and cash-paying tenants could be most effective. It balances the reliability of government-backed payments with the possibility of higher rent from those who can afford it, optimizing occupancy and income stability.
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.