Location: Bonner County, ID | Metro: Bonner County, ID
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,010 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,840 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,190 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,540 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,073 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,227 |
The Section 8 thesis for ZIP code 83865 is based on the disparity between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD and the actual market rent. For fiscal year 2026, the FMR for the metro area is established at $1,260. However, the market rent figure is currently unavailable, which complicates a direct comparison.
In the context of Unknown, Idaho, where data such as the percentage of renters, median home value, and median income are not provided, landlords and small-portfolio investors must rely on the FMR to gauge the potential for rental income. The FMR serves as a benchmark for the maximum amount that can be charged to tenants who receive housing vouchers under the Section 8 program.
If the FMR ($1,260) exceeds the market rent, this scenario creates an opportunity for landlords. They can secure a steady stream of tenants whose rent is subsidized up to the FMR level, effectively making it a yield play. This means that even if market rents fall, landlords can still collect a consistent income, backed by the government's commitment to pay the difference between what the tenant can afford and the FMR.
Conversely, if the market rent surpasses the FMR, landlords face a different challenge. Accepting Section 8 tenants could mean renting out properties at below-market rates, resulting in lower yields. This situation requires careful consideration of the costs associated with maintaining properties and the benefits of having a stable tenant base versus the potential for higher rental income from open-market tenants.
Without specific data on the percentage of renters, median home value, and median income, it's important for investors to understand that the viability of the Section 8 program as an investment strategy in ZIP 83865 depends heavily on the relationship between the FMR and the prevailing market rents. The decision to accept Section 8 tenants should be made after a thorough analysis of local rental market conditions and the financial health of the property.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027).
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.