Location: Pacific County, WA | Metro: Pacific County, WA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,190 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,540 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,073 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,227 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing program in ZIP code 98527 operates under specific economic guidelines that directly impact landlords and small-portfolio investors. For a two-bedroom rental unit, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) is set at $1,160 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay towards a tenant's rent, based on the voucher program. It's important to note that the SAFMR is specific to this ZIP code, ensuring that the rates reflect the local rental market conditions.
The SAFMR of $1,160 is composed of two parts: the tenant contribution and the voucher reimbursement. Tenants are required to contribute 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. This amount is then combined with the voucher reimbursement to cover the total rent. Additionally, utility allowances are included in the calculation, which can vary but typically range around $200-$300 per month for a two-bedroom unit. These allowances help cover the costs of electricity, water, gas, and other utilities.
To illustrate, if a tenant's portion of the rent is $300 and the utility allowance is $250, the total reimbursement from the housing authority would be $1,160. Therefore, the landlord receives $610 ($1,160 - $300 - $250) directly from the tenant and the housing authority. This structure ensures that landlords receive a stable and predictable income stream, even when dealing with tenants who might otherwise struggle to afford market-rate rents.
In ZIP 98527, where the local market rent data is currently unavailable, it's crucial to understand that the SAFMR is designed to approximate market rates. However, landlords should be aware that the reimbursement amount may not always cover the full market rent, leading to a potential reimbursement gap. Conversely, if the market rent is lower than the SAFMR, landlords could see a surplus in their monthly income.
The typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 98527 depends on the actual market rent. Since the market rent is not available, landlords must compare the SAFMR of $1,160 against their own rental rates to determine whether they will face a shortfall or benefit from a surplus. If the market rent exceeds $1,160, landlords will need to decide whether to accept the lower voucher payment or seek non-voucher tenants. If the market rent is below $1,160, landlords can secure a steady income that meets or slightly exceeds their rental costs.
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.