Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 85539 - 2027

Location: Gila County, AZ | Metro: Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ MSA

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size Monthly FMR
Studio$1,090
1 Bedroom$1,170
2 Bedrooms$1,440
3 Bedrooms$1,870
4 Bedrooms$2,120
5 Bedrooms$2,459
6 Bedrooms$2,754
7 Bedrooms$2,974
8 Bedrooms$3,123

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population
3,386
Median Household Income
$47,807
Housing Units
1,763
Renter Percentage
24.7%
Occupancy Rate
81.8%
Renter Occupied
356

The ZIP code 85539 is characterized by a moderate presence of renters, with 24.7% of the population renting their homes. This suggests that while there is a significant number of potential Section 8 tenants, it is not a renter-heavy area dominated by voucher demand. The median household income stands at $47,807, which provides a benchmark for assessing the affordability of housing in this region.

Average market rent in ZIP 85539 is $906 per month. This represents approximately 19.4% of the median household income when calculated annually, indicating that typical rent consumes a considerable but manageable portion of local incomes. For context, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for this ZIP code is set at $1,570 (FY 2024), which is significantly higher than the current market rent. This discrepancy highlights the potential for Section 8 vouchers to play a crucial role in making housing affordable for low-income families.

Landlords in ZIP 85539 should anticipate a tenant pool primarily composed of low-income individuals and families who rely on Section 8 vouchers to cover their rent. These tenants will be looking for units that fall within the range of their vouchers, and the current market rent is well below the FMR, suggesting that there is ample opportunity for landlords to offer affordable housing options. Given the median income and the relatively lower market rent, landlords can expect a steady demand from tenants seeking subsidized housing solutions.

To summarize, ZIP 85539 offers a balanced mix of homeowners and renters, with a notable segment of the population utilizing Section 8 vouchers. The typical rent of $906 is a significant but reasonable expense for households earning $47,807 annually. Landlords should prepare to serve a tenant base that requires financial assistance to secure housing, aligning their offerings with the realities of the local economic landscape.

Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.