Location: Whitman County, WA | Metro: Whitman County, WA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,820 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,111 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,364 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,553 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,681 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 99174 presents an interesting mix for landlords and small-portfolio investors considering Section 8 tenants. With a population of 69,000, it's important to note that only 12.0% of residents are renters, indicating a primarily homeowner-dominated area. This suggests that the demand for rental properties, particularly those accepting Section 8 vouchers, may be less intense compared to areas with higher percentages of renters.
The median household income in this ZIP is $50,179, which provides a baseline for assessing the affordability of housing. However, without specific market rent data, we cannot accurately calculate what percentage of local income goes toward typical rent. To make a comparison, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area is set at $1,060 for FY 2026. Given the median income, this implies that the average rent would consume approximately 25% of the median household income, assuming the FMR closely aligns with market rents. This is a significant portion but still leaves room for other expenses.
A landlord in ZIP 99174 can expect a tenant profile that is financially constrained, relying on government assistance to meet housing costs. These tenants will likely have a monthly voucher amount close to the FMR of $1,060, making it crucial for property owners to ensure their units are priced within this range to attract and retain Section 8 tenants. The scarcity of renters in this area might also mean competition among landlords for these tenants, necessitating well-maintained and affordable properties.
In conclusion, while 99174 has a relatively low percentage of renters, the presence of Section 8 tenants indicates a need for affordable housing options. Landlords should price their units competitively and maintain them to high standards to appeal to this tenant base. The financial landscape suggests that tenants will require a significant portion of their income to cover rent, making it essential for landlords to understand the limitations and support needs of such tenants.
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.