Location: Grays Harbor County, WA | Metro: Grays Harbor County, WA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $980 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,100 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,950 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,220 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,575 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,115 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,271 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 98535 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Section 8 Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $1,270 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting local rental conditions.
Under the Section 8 program, the total rent is divided into two parts: the tenant's portion and the government's subsidy. Tenants are generally required to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. For simplicity, let's assume a tenant's monthly adjusted income is $1,000. In this case, the tenant would contribute $300 toward the rent. The remaining amount, up to the SAFMR, is covered by the housing authority. Therefore, the voucher would pay $970 ($1,270 - $300).
Utility allowances are also part of the equation. These vary but typically range from $100 to $300 per month, depending on the type of utilities included and the size of the unit. If we take an average utility allowance of $200, it does not directly affect the rent calculation; instead, it is an additional benefit provided to the tenant.
In ZIP 98535, where the SAFMR is $1,270, landlords can expect a reimbursement of $970 from the housing authority for a two-bedroom unit. This leaves a gap between the market rent and the voucher payment if the market rent exceeds $1,270. However, since the local market rent is listed as N/A, it's unclear whether landlords will face a shortfall or have a surplus. If the market rent were lower than the SAFMR, landlords would receive a higher reimbursement compared to the typical market rates, resulting in a surplus.
To summarize, in ZIP 98535, a landlord renting out a two-bedroom unit under the Section 8 program can anticipate a reimbursement of $970 per month, assuming the tenant's contribution is $300. The presence of a utility allowance does not alter the rent reimbursement but provides extra support to the tenant. The final economic impact—whether a surplus or a shortfall—depends on the actual local market rent, which is currently unavailable.
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.