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 ZIP code 99690 presents several challenges for landlords considering participation in the Section 8 program. Tenant turnover is a significant concern due to the disparity between the local market rent and the $1,940 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2026, which is set for the metro area. This discrepancy can lead to higher turnover rates as tenants might prefer to find housing that matches their local rent expectations rather than relying on vouchers.
Vacancy exposure is another critical issue. With an average number of days on market (DOM) being unavailable, landlords cannot predict how long it will take to fill vacancies using Section 8 vouchers. This uncertainty can be detrimental to cash flow management, especially if there are prolonged periods when units remain vacant.
Deferred maintenance exposure is also noteworthy. Given the median household income of $38,929 in ZIP 99690, landlords must be prepared for potential maintenance issues that tenants may not have the financial capacity to address promptly. This could result in higher repair costs and longer times to bring properties back to marketable condition.
Despite these risks, the analysis reveals a 0.0% renter share in the area, indicating a very low percentage of renters relative to homeowners. However, this metric should be interpreted with caution. High renter density typically correlates with increased demand for Section 8 vouchers, but the lack of specific data on local rental trends makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. The absence of detailed market rent and typical home value data further complicates the assessment.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.