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 | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,840 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,220 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,575 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,115 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,271 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,330 | $311,492 | 0.43% | F |
| 3BR | $1,840 | $413,529 | 0.44% | F |
| 4BR | $2,220 | $487,074 | 0.46% | F |
| 5BR | $2,575 | $543,937 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 99163, which includes Pullman, WA, in Whitman County, are straightforward when analyzed with the specific figures available. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) is set at $1,200 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay towards the rent of a unit in this specific ZIP code.
The local market rent, as measured by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), stands at $1,231 for a two-bedroom apartment. This indicates the average rent charged for similar units in the area.
When a landlord accepts a Section 8 voucher, the payment they receive is composed of the voucher amount plus the tenant's contribution. The tenant is typically required to pay 30% of their adjusted income toward rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,600 for a tenant eligible for Section 8, then the tenant would contribute approximately $480 per month ($1,600 x 0.30).
Utility allowances vary but are generally modest. For simplicity, let's consider a utility allowance of $100 per month. Therefore, the total monthly reimbursement a landlord can expect from a Section 8 voucher for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,700 ($1,200 voucher amount + $480 tenant contribution + $100 utilities).
However, it's important to note that the SAFMR of $1,200 is the cap on the voucher payment. If the market rent exceeds this amount, the landlord must accept the SAFMR as the maximum voucher payment. In ZIP 99163, where the market rent is slightly above the SAFMR, landlords might find themselves with a small surplus if they charge exactly $1,231, receiving a total of $1,731 per month ($1,231 market rent + $480 tenant contribution + $100 utilities).
To illustrate, if a landlord charges the market rate of $1,231, the voucher would cover $1,200, leaving the tenant to pay $480 directly to the landlord. The landlord would thus have a surplus of $31 ($1,231 - $1,200). Conversely, if the landlord sets the rent below the SAFMR, say at $1,150, the landlord would still receive $1,200 from the voucher, resulting in a surplus of $50 ($1,200 - $1,150).
In conclusion, landlords in ZIP 99163 can expect a reimbursement gap or surplus of up to $31 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, given the current SAFMR and market rent figures. This analysis provides a clear understanding of how Section 8 payments translate into actual rental income, ensuring landlords make informed decisions about participating in the program.
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.