Location: Longview-Kelso, WA | Metro: Longview-Kelso, WA MSA
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 | $1,080 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,230 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,080 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,912 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,261 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,522 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,698 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,510 | $431,259 | 0.35% | F |
| 3BR | $2,080 | $548,947 | 0.38% | F |
| 4BR | $2,510 | $618,433 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To understand how Section 8 economics work in ZIP code 98625, which includes Kalama, WA, in Cowlitz County, it's important to first recognize that the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $1370 per month for fiscal year 2024. This SAFMR is specific to this ZIP code, meaning it reflects the rental rates unique to this area rather than being applied uniformly across the entire county.
The SAFMR of $1370 is the maximum amount that a Section 8 housing voucher will cover for a two-bedroom unit. However, the actual reimbursement to landlords depends on several factors including the tenant's contribution and any utility allowances. Typically, the tenant contributes 30% of their adjusted income towards rent, while the voucher covers the remaining balance up to the SAFMR limit. Utility allowances vary but generally range from $200 to $300 per month, depending on the household size and location.
Let's walk through an example. If a tenant's income is $1000 per month, their contribution would be 30% of that, which is $300. Assuming a utility allowance of $250, the total covered by the voucher would be $1120 ($1370 - $300 tenant contribution - $250 utility allowance). Therefore, the landlord would receive $1120 from the voucher program plus the $300 directly from the tenant, totaling $1420.
In scenarios where the market rent exceeds the SAFMR, there is often a reimbursement gap. Landlords must ensure that their rent does not exceed the SAFMR to avoid losing the tenant to another property that meets the criteria. In ZIP 98625, since the local market rent is currently unavailable, we can only rely on the SAFMR to guide our expectations.
Given the SAFMR of $1370, if the landlord charges exactly this amount, there would be no surplus or gap for a two-bedroom apartment. However, if the market rent were higher, say $1500, then the landlord would face a monthly reimbursement gap of $130 ($1500 - $1370), unless they adjust their rent to match the SAFMR.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 98625 should set their rent for two-bedroom units at or below $1370 to maximize participation in the Section 8 program. The typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom apartment in this scenario is zero, assuming the landlord adheres to the SAFMR guidelines.
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.