Location: Spokane, WA | Metro: Spokane, 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 | $1,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,080 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,260 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,622 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,937 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,172 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,331 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,880 | $568,605 | 0.33% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP 99031, the economics of Section 8 housing involve understanding the balance between the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) and the local market rent. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for FY 2024 is set at $1100. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Section 8 program will pay towards rent in this specific ZIP code. In comparison, the local market rent averages $1,183 according to the Census ACS.
The SAFMR of $1100 is the cap for the government's contribution, but it does not account for the full rent amount. Landlords must understand that the total rent charged to tenants cannot exceed the $1100 limit set by the Section 8 program. If a landlord charges more than this, the excess amount must be covered by the tenant. However, the tenant is only responsible for paying a portion of the rent, typically around 30% of their income, which can vary based on individual circumstances.
Beyond the base rent, there are utility allowances that the Section 8 program provides. These allowances help cover some of the tenant's utility costs, such as electricity, gas, and water. The exact amount of these allowances can differ, but they are designed to ensure that tenants have enough money left over for necessities beyond housing.
To calculate what a voucher actually pays, you need to consider the tenant's portion and the utility allowances. If the tenant's income is $1,500 per month, their payment would be roughly $450 (30% of $1,500), leaving the government to pay up to $650 to meet the $1100 limit. This calculation assumes standard utility allowances and does not include any additional costs or deductions.
The typical reimbursement gap or surplus in ZIP 99031 for a two-bedroom unit can be calculated by subtracting the SAFMR from the local market rent. Given the local market rent of $1,183 and the SAFMR of $1100, landlords might face a gap of $83 per month if they charge the average market rate. This means landlords must decide whether to accept a slightly lower rent or charge the tenant the difference, which could be challenging if the tenant’s income is fixed.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 99031 should expect to receive $1100 as the maximum reimbursement for a two-bedroom apartment under the Section 8 program, with the tenant covering an additional portion based on their income. This results in a potential reimbursement gap of $83 per month compared to the local market rent.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.