Location: Pend Oreille County, 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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,380 | $382,295 | 0.36% | F |
| 3BR | $1,880 | $465,202 | 0.4% | F |
| 4BR | $2,260 | $519,067 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 99156, which is located in Newport, WA, within Pend Oreille County, are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code for FY 2024 is set at $1110. This figure represents the maximum amount that HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) will reimburse landlords for rent under the Section 8 program.
In comparison, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit, based on Census ACS data, is $862. This indicates that the SAFMR is higher than the average market rent, potentially offering an incentive for landlords to participate in the program.
A landlord should understand that the voucher payment does not cover the entire rent amount. Tenants are required to contribute a portion of their income towards the rent, typically around 30% of their adjusted monthly income. For ZIP 99156, if we assume a tenant's contribution is $333 (based on a median household income of $2220 per month), then the remaining amount would be covered by the Section 8 voucher.
The reimbursement process also includes utility allowances. These allowances vary but generally provide additional funds to cover utilities. For simplicity, let’s assume an allowance of $150 per month. Thus, the total reimbursement a landlord might receive for a two-bedroom apartment could be calculated as follows:
This means that the landlord would receive $1110, which includes both the rent and the utility allowance. However, the actual rent paid by the voucher is $757 ($1110 - $353). Therefore, landlords in ZIP 99156 can expect to receive a total of $1110 per month for a two-bedroom unit, which covers the rent and utilities.
Given the local market rent of $862, landlords participating in the Section 8 program in ZIP 99156 would face a surplus. The difference between the SAFMR and the local market rent is $248 per month. This surplus provides a buffer that can help cover any unexpected costs or maintenance issues.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 99156 can expect a stable income of $1110 per month for a two-bedroom unit, with a significant surplus over the local market rent. This makes the Section 8 program a viable option for securing steady rental payments 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.