Location: Bethel Census Area, AK | Metro: Bethel Census Area, AK
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,004 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,364 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,633 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,815 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 99614, located in Bethel Census Area, AK, presents a unique opportunity for real estate investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD for this area in fiscal year 2026 is $1,940, which significantly exceeds the current market rent of $838 based on data from the Census ACS.
This substantial gap between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent means that voucher tenants will cashflow positively at the HUD rate. Landlords can expect a comfortable margin when renting to Section 8 tenants, as the HUD rate is well above what non-voucher tenants might pay. This positive cashflow scenario is particularly advantageous given the high cost of living and limited economic diversity often found in rural Alaska areas.
The median home value in ZIP 99614 is not available, making it challenging to derive an exact rent-to-price ratio. However, the high FMR relative to market rents suggests that rental properties, especially those meeting HUD standards, could be highly sought after. This dynamic could potentially support higher property values and offer stability for long-term investments.
The median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that experience price cuts are also not available. Despite this lack of data, the strong demand for affordable housing and the generous voucher amounts indicate that rental properties are likely to be occupied quickly, reducing vacancy rates and increasing the overall appeal of rental investments over home purchases.
In conclusion, the strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP 99614 is the potential for significant cashflow due to the disparity between HUD's FMR and the local market rent. This makes rental investments particularly attractive in this region.
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.