Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 85713 - 2027
Location: Tucson, AZ | Metro: Tucson, AZ MSA
Investment Score for ZIP 85713
D
Monthly Rent (2BR)
$1,290
Median Price (2BR)
$210,337
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates
| Unit Size |
Monthly FMR |
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,790 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,355 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,638 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,849 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,991 |
Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms |
Monthly FMR |
Median Price |
1% Rule |
Grade |
| 2BR |
$1,290 |
$210,337 |
0.61% |
D |
| 3BR |
$1,790 |
$263,084 |
0.68% |
D |
| 4BR |
$2,030 |
$300,368 |
0.68% |
D |
Demographics & Housing Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Median Household Income
$53,152
### Market Analysis for ZIP Code 85713 (Tucson, AZ)
#### Section 8 Voucher Dynamics
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) figures for ZIP code 85713 in Tucson, Arizona, provide a benchmark for rental costs that are subsidized by the federal government through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. For 2026, the FMRs are set at $880 for a zero-bedroom unit, $990 for a one-bedroom unit, $1280 for a two-bedroom unit, $1780 for a three-bedroom unit, and $2050 for a four-bedroom unit.
To understand how these FMRs compare to actual rents, we need to consider the price-to-FMR ratio. The Zillow median price for a two-bedroom home in this ZIP is $210,487, which translates to a price-to-FMR ratio of 13.7x. This indicates that the actual market rent is significantly higher than the FMR. For instance, a two-bedroom unit would likely cost around $210,487/13.7 ≈ $15,363 annually or approximately $1,280 monthly, which is exactly the FMR for a two-bedroom unit. However, this calculation assumes that the median price reflects typical rental rates, which may not always be the case.
Given that the FMR for a two-bedroom unit is $1280, which represents 28.9% of the median household income ($53,152), voucher holders face significant constraints. They must find units that do not exceed this rent amount, which can be challenging in a market where actual rents might be higher. Additionally, landlords are not obligated to accept Section 8 vouchers, which further limits the available options for tenants.
#### Affordability & Renter Profile
ZIP code 85713 has a population of 46,439, with 37.2% being renters. This suggests a substantial demand for rental properties. The occupancy rate of 89.6% indicates that the majority of housing units are occupied, suggesting a relatively tight market with limited vacancies.
The median household income of $53,152 provides context for the affordability of housing. With 28.9% of the median income allocated to a two-bedroom unit, it becomes clear that many residents may struggle to afford market-rate rentals. The FMR for a two-bedroom unit at $1280 is a critical threshold for affordability, but it is also important to note that this figure is only a guideline and actual rents could be higher, making it difficult for low-income households to secure housing without assistance.
#### Investor Angle
From an investor perspective, the ZIP code 85713 presents both opportunities and challenges. The FMRs are designed to ensure that rental units are affordable for low-income families, but they may not reflect the true market value of the property. Given the price-to-FMR ratio of 13.7x, investors should carefully evaluate whether their properties can be rented out at market rates or if they will need to rely on Section 8 vouchers to attract tenants.
Investors who focus on Section 8 properties must ensure that their rental units meet the quality standards required by the program. The cash flow potential at FMR is limited, especially when considering the high price-to-FMR ratio. An investor would need to factor in maintenance costs, property taxes, insurance, and other expenses to determine if the FMRs provide sufficient returns.
#### Specific Actionable Insights
1. **Focus on Units Below FMR**: Investors should aim to acquire properties that can be rented below the FMR to maximize their chances of attracting tenants. For example, a two-bedroom unit priced at $1,100 per month would be more attractive to voucher holders compared to one priced at $1,280.
2. **Consider Multi-Family Properties**: Given the high price-to-FMR ratio, multi-family properties may offer better cash flow opportunities. A three-bedroom unit at $1,780 could potentially house multiple tenants, thereby increasing the overall rental income.
3. **Quality Matters**: To qualify for Section 8 vouchers, properties must meet certain quality standards. Investors should ensure that their properties are well-maintained and up to code to avoid losing tenants who require vouchers.
#### Bottom Line
For Section 8-focused investors, ZIP code 85713 offers a mixed picture. While there is a significant demand for affordable housing, the high price-to-FMR ratio and the tight market conditions suggest that cash flow might be limited. Therefore, the recommendation is to **Hold** on existing investments and **Skip** new acquisitions unless the properties can be acquired at a price that allows renting below the FMR. This strategy ensures that investors can maintain their tenant base and comply with the requirements of the Section 8 program while avoiding the risk of overpaying for properties that may not generate adequate returns.
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.