Location: Lewis County, WA | Metro: Lewis County, WA
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 | $990 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,090 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,850 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,150 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,494 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,016 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,167 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,850 | $546,518 | 0.34% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 98570, the economics of Section 8 housing can be quite different from the broader market conditions. The SAFMR (Section 8 Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,310. This is the maximum amount that HUD (Housing and Urban Development) will pay for a two-bedroom rental unit in this area. However, it's important to note that the local market rent for a similar two-bedroom unit is reported to be $1,017, according to recent Census ACS (American Community Survey) data.
A landlord might wonder how this SAFMR translates into actual income. Here’s a breakdown: the tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent. If we assume an average adjusted monthly income of $1,000 for a tenant in this ZIP code, the tenant would contribute approximately $300 toward rent. The remainder, up to the SAFMR limit, would be covered by the Section 8 voucher. In this case, the voucher would cover $1,010.
Additionally, landlords receive utility allowances which can vary. For simplicity, let’s assume an average utility allowance of $150. This brings the total reimbursement a landlord might expect per month to around $1,160 ($1,010 for rent plus $150 for utilities).
The SAFMR is set for this specific ZIP code, meaning it accounts for the unique economic conditions here. However, the local market rent is lower than the SAFMR, indicating that landlords in ZIP 98570 could potentially charge less than the SAFMR and still be competitive in the market.
Given these figures, a landlord renting out a two-bedroom apartment under the Section 8 program in ZIP 98570 would see a surplus of about $143 per month over the local market rent, assuming they charge the full SAFMR rate. This surplus comes from the higher reimbursement rate compared to the typical market rent, making participation in the Section 8 program financially viable for landlords in this area.
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.