Location: Okanogan County, WA | Metro: Ferry County, WA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,299 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,483 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,607 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 99166 are crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors to understand. For a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for fiscal year 2026 is set at $970. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay towards a tenant's rent under the Section 8 program.
In contrast, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 99166 is reported to be $810 according to the latest Census ACS (American Community Survey) data. This indicates that the SAFMR exceeds the local market rent, which can be beneficial for landlords participating in the program.
A voucher holder is required to contribute a portion of their income toward the rent. Specifically, they must pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income towards the rent. The voucher then covers the difference between the tenant's contribution and the SAFMR, up to the $970 limit. Additionally, there are utility allowances that can vary but are typically around $200-$300 per month, depending on the specific circumstances and needs of the tenant.
To illustrate, if a tenant's 30% income contribution amounts to $500, and the utility allowance is $200, the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $700 ($500 + $200). Given the SAFMR of $970, the landlord would receive the full $700 from the voucher, plus the tenant's $500 contribution, totaling $1,200. However, since the local market rent is $810, the landlord effectively receives $390 more than the typical market rate for a two-bedroom rental in this ZIP code.
This scenario highlights a potential surplus for landlords, where the combined payment from the tenant and the voucher exceeds the local market rent. In ZIP 99166, landlords can expect an average surplus of $390 per month for a two-bedroom rental unit when a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher, based on the provided figures.
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.