Location: Whitman County, WA | Metro: Whitman 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 | $1,020 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,150 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,830 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,170 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,424 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,595 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,020 | $397,727 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 99113, the Section 8 program, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, operates under specific economic parameters that directly impact landlords and small-portfolio investors. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,200. This figure represents the maximum amount the government will pay towards the rent on behalf of a tenant.
The local market rent, according to Census ACS data, is slightly higher at $1,281 per month. This indicates that landlords might be able to charge slightly above the SAFMR without significantly deterring potential tenants who have vouchers.
A voucher payment is composed of two main parts: the tenant's portion and the government's subsidy. The tenant is typically responsible for paying approximately 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. For example, if a tenant's monthly adjusted income is $1,000, they would contribute $300 toward the rent. The remaining balance up to the SAFMR limit is covered by the government. If the total rent is $1,200, the government would cover the rest, which is $900 in this case.
Additionally, the voucher includes an allowance for utilities. This allowance can vary but is generally around $200-$300 per month. Landlords should factor in this allowance when considering the overall financial impact of renting to a Section 8 tenant.
Given these specifics, let’s walk through a scenario. Suppose a tenant has a voucher for a two-bedroom apartment and the total rent is set at the SAFMR limit of $1,200. The tenant contributes $300, and the government covers the remaining $900. If the utility allowance is $250, the landlord receives a total of $1,150 ($900 + $250) from the government and the tenant. However, since the local market rent is $1,281, the landlord would still face a shortfall of $131 per month if they charge the market rate.
To summarize, landlords in ZIP 99113 can expect the government to subsidize a significant portion of the rent for Section 8 tenants, up to $1,200 per month for a two-bedroom unit. Factoring in the tenant's contribution and utility allowance, landlords will receive a combined amount that usually falls short of the local market rent. In this scenario, there is a typical reimbursement gap of $131 per month, meaning landlords will need to adjust their expectations or find ways to reduce costs to maintain profitability.
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.