Location: Malheur County, OR | Metro: Boise City, ID HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,060 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,260 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,912 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,261 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,522 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,698 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 97910 presents several challenges for landlords considering participation in the Section 8 program. Tenant turnover is a significant risk, with the market rent set at $715 compared to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1180 for fiscal year 2024. This disparity suggests that tenants may seek higher rental subsidies, leading to frequent changes in occupancy. High tenant turnover can strain resources and reduce profitability due to the costs associated with screening new tenants and maintaining consistent cash flow.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, though data on the average days on market (DOM) is currently unavailable. In areas where there is a lack of information on DOM, it often indicates a market that can be unpredictable, making it difficult to gauge how quickly a property might fill when vacant. This uncertainty can pose financial risks if vacancies persist longer than expected, especially in a market where rents are already lower than the FMR.
Deferred maintenance is also a risk factor, particularly in light of the median income of $73,317 in the area. While the typical home value is not available, lower incomes generally correlate with a reduced ability to invest in property improvements. Landlords must be prepared to cover maintenance and repair costs out-of-pocket, which can add to the overall expenses of managing a Section 8 property.
However, these risks are balanced by the high renter share in the area, which stands at 48.9%. A large proportion of renters typically translates into higher demand for housing vouchers, potentially stabilizing occupancy rates and ensuring a steady stream of tenants who are committed to their lease terms through government assistance.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.