Location: Tacoma, WA | Metro: Tacoma, WA HUD Metro FMR Area
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,290 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,450 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,800 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,248 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,638 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,929 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,125 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,450 | $406,647 | 0.36% | F |
| 2BR | $1,780 | $523,748 | 0.34% | F |
| 3BR | $2,460 | $629,356 | 0.39% | F |
| 4BR | $2,800 | $694,965 | 0.4% | F |
| 5BR | $3,248 | $725,584 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 98328, which encompasses Eatonville, WA in Pierce County, understanding the economics of Section 8 vouchers is crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1610. This figure represents the maximum amount that HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) will pay towards rent for a two-bedroom unit in this specific area.
The local market rent, according to the Census ACS (American Community Survey), is currently at $996 for a two-bedroom apartment. This lower market rent can be advantageous for landlords who participate in the Section 8 program because it means they could potentially receive more than the average market rate if their rental property meets the quality standards set by HUD.
A Section 8 voucher payment consists of two parts: the tenant's contribution and the subsidy provided by the government. The tenant must contribute 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. For instance, if a tenant has an adjusted monthly income of $1000, they would need to pay $300 towards rent. The remaining balance is covered by the government subsidy up to the SAFMR limit of $1610. In this case, the landlord would receive $1310 from the government, making the total reimbursement $1610.
Utility allowances are also part of the calculation but are separate from the rent subsidy. These allowances vary based on the size of the unit and the region. For ZIP 98328, the utility allowance for a two-bedroom apartment is typically around $200-$300 per month. However, this does not affect the rent reimbursement directly; it is paid to the tenant to cover utilities.
To illustrate, let's assume a two-bedroom apartment is listed at $1610, which is the SAFMR. If the tenant's portion is $300, then the landlord receives $1310 from the government subsidy. This means the landlord is receiving exactly the SAFMR amount without any surplus or shortfall. However, if the market rent is $996, and the landlord charges this amount, the government would still reimburse up to $1610, leaving a surplus for the landlord.
The typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 98328 is a surplus of approximately $614 per month. This is calculated by subtracting the local market rent ($996) from the SAFMR ($1610). Landlords should note that while this surplus exists, the property must meet certain maintenance and safety standards to qualify for Section 8 payments.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.