Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 97491 - 2027

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 97491, located in Curry County, Oregon, are straightforward. The SAFMR (Standard Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,400 per month. This figure is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, meaning it reflects the local rental conditions.

To understand what a landlord can expect from a Section 8 voucher, it's essential to break down the components involved. A voucher holder is required to contribute 30% of their adjusted monthly income towards rent. For simplicity, let's assume the average voucher holder in this area has an adjusted monthly income of $1,000. Therefore, they would pay $300 towards rent, leaving the remainder to be covered by the voucher program.

The voucher program will then cover the difference between the tenant's contribution and the SAFMR. In this case, that would be $1,400 minus the $300 paid by the tenant, totaling $1,100. However, the actual amount a landlord receives can vary based on the specific circumstances of the tenant and their income level. It's important to note that the voucher payment does not include utilities unless specified otherwise.

Section 8 also provides utility allowances, which can range depending on the specific situation but are typically around $300-$400 per month for a two-bedroom unit. If we consider an average utility allowance of $350, this would add to the total reimbursement a landlord could receive.

In summary, for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP code 97491, a landlord can expect a reimbursement of $1,100 for rent plus approximately $350 for utilities, making the total reimbursement around $1,450. Given the SAFMR is $1,400, this means there is a slight surplus of $50 per month for the landlord, assuming the SAFMR accurately represents the market rent and the tenant's utility usage aligns with the allowance provided.

This surplus indicates that landlords in ZIP 97491 participating in the Section 8 program can expect to receive the full SAFMR for rent, along with a utility allowance that exceeds the rent component. Thus, the typical reimbursement for a two-bedroom unit under a Section 8 voucher in this ZIP code will exceed the SAFMR, providing a small buffer for landlords.

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.