Location: Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK | Metro: Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK
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 | $1,060 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,070 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,940 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,714 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,040 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,283 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,447 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,400 | $314,241 | 0.45% | F |
| 3BR | $1,940 | $377,732 | 0.51% | F |
| 4BR | $2,340 | $499,176 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 99669, Soldotna, AK, within the Kenai Peninsula Borough County, presents a unique opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD for the area, under the metro scope for fiscal year 2026, is $1,330. In contrast, the market rent, based on Census ACS data, stands at $1,190. This indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow positively at the FMR rate, providing landlords with a reliable income stream above typical market rates.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which is $358,418. This yields a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.37%, suggesting that rental properties are relatively undervalued compared to their purchase price. For investors looking to capitalize on this dynamic, it means that owning a property could be more financially advantageous than renting, given the disparity between market rents and home values.
In terms of the broader real estate market, the N/A-day median DOM (Days On Market) and the 0.1% share of listings that required price cuts indicate a stable market with little fluctuation. This stability is crucial for investors who prioritize consistent performance over rapid appreciation. However, the primary appeal for Section 8 investors remains the guaranteed cash flow from voucher tenants paying above market rates, making cashflow the strongest investor angle in this market.
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.