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)
In evaluating the investment risk for Section 8 properties in ZIP code 99679, several factors must be considered that could potentially go wrong. First, tenant turnover poses a significant challenge. With a market rent of $505 compared to the Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $1,940 for the fiscal year 2026, there is a notable disparity. This gap suggests that tenants might find it difficult to afford the higher FMR rates, leading to increased turnover and the associated costs of finding new tenants.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The days on market (DOM) for the area is currently listed as N/A, which makes it challenging to predict how long a property might remain vacant between tenancies. High vacancy periods can lead to significant financial losses for landlords.
The deferred maintenance exposure is also noteworthy. Given the N/A typical home value and a median income of $67,813, landlords must be prepared for the possibility that tenants might not have the financial means to cover substantial repair costs, leaving the burden entirely on the property owner.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the high renter share in the area, which stands at 68.0%. A high concentration of renters typically translates into robust demand for rental properties, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers. This high demand can stabilize occupancy rates and provide a steady stream of tenants willing to use their vouchers to pay for housing.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP code 99679. While there are significant challenges related to tenant turnover and potential deferred maintenance issues, the high renter share offers a buffer against vacancy exposure and ensures a consistent pool of potential 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.