Location: Whitman County, WA | Metro: Columbia County, WA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,070 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,210 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,120 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,970 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,326 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,592 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,772 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 99143, which is part of the larger metro area, is set at $1,390 for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers, meaning it's the maximum amount the government will pay on behalf of eligible tenants. It's important to note that this is not the rent you can charge your tenants; rather, it's the cap on what the government will contribute.
To put this into perspective, the average rent for the area is currently around $658, according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS) data. This means that the FMR is significantly higher than the local average, potentially allowing landlords to receive higher payments through the voucher program compared to market rates.
In ZIP 99143, 15.2% of residents are renters, indicating a steady demand for rental properties. However, this percentage also suggests that there might be competition among landlords for tenants who qualify for Section 8 vouchers. To attract these tenants, your property must meet certain standards and be priced competitively within the voucher limits.
The median home value in this ZIP code is approximately $281,135, which gives you an idea of the typical acquisition cost for a property. When considering a Section 8 rental, ensure that the potential income from the voucher program, combined with tenant-paid rent, will cover your mortgage, maintenance costs, and other expenses associated with owning and managing a rental property.
Before committing to a Section 8 rental, verify that the property meets all the required inspection criteria. This includes passing a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection, which checks for basic livability and safety conditions. Failure to meet these standards can result in reduced payments or even disqualification from the program.
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.