Question 1

What is Census Median Gross Rent?

Accepted Answer

Census Median Gross Rent is the midpoint of reported gross rents for occupied rental housing in a specific geographic area, according to the applicable American Community Survey (ACS) data. It is the rent level at which half of the reported gross rents are lower and half are higher. The Census measure includes contract rent plus applicable utility costs.

Question 2

What Is the Average Rent by ZIP Code?

Accepted Answer

Average rent by ZIP Code is a common way renters search for typical local rental costs. Our ZIP Code data uses Census Median Gross Rent as the Census-based measure of typical rent for the area.

Question 3

What is HUD SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent)?

Accepted Answer

HUD Small Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR) is a ZIP Code-level rent benchmark used in certain Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs. SAFMRs are generally based on rents for recent movers and are updated periodically by HUD. The applicable SAFMR varies by ZIP Code and bedroom size.

Question 4

What Is the Section 8 Housing Program?

Accepted Answer

The Section 8 program, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a federal rental assistance program that helps eligible low-income households afford housing in the private rental market. A participating Public Housing Authority (PHA) generally provides rental assistance on behalf of the household, subject to program rules and the applicable payment standard.

Question 5

How Much Does Section 8 Pay for Rent?

Accepted Answer

The amount of Section 8 rental assistance varies by household and location. The applicable Public Housing Authority considers factors such as the household's income, family size, bedroom size, applicable payment standard, tenant contribution, and the rent and utility costs for the unit. The HUD SAFMR shown on this site is not necessarily the exact amount a particular household will receive.

Question 6

Is SAFMR the Same as the Section 8 Payment Standard?

Accepted Answer

No. HUD SAFMR and a local PHA's Section 8 payment standard are related but are not necessarily the same amount. SAFMR is a HUD rent benchmark for a ZIP Code and bedroom size, while the local PHA establishes the payment standard it uses for its voucher program, subject to applicable HUD rules. The actual assistance provided to a household can also depend on household income, tenant contribution, utilities, and the selected unit.

Question 7

Who Is Eligible for Section 8?

Accepted Answer

Section 8 eligibility generally depends on factors such as household income, family composition, citizenship or eligible immigration status, and applicable program requirements. Eligibility rules and income limits can vary by household circumstances and jurisdiction. Contact the appropriate Public Housing Authority (PHA) for current eligibility requirements and application information.

Question 8

How Do I Apply for a Section 8 Voucher?

Accepted Answer

To apply for a Section 8 voucher, contact the Public Housing Authority (PHA) that administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program in the area where you want to apply. Applications may be accepted only when a waiting list is open, and applicants must meet the applicable eligibility requirements. Because procedures and waiting-list availability vary by PHA, check with the appropriate local housing authority for current instructions.

Question 9

How to Calculate the Rental Spread Between Census Median Gross Rent and HUD SAFMR?

Accepted Answer

To calculate the rental spread, subtract the Census Median Gross Rent from the HUD SAFMR for the same ZIP Code and bedroom size: Spread = SAFMR − Census Median Gross Rent. A positive spread means the SAFMR is higher than the Census Median Gross Rent figure being compared. This comparison is informational and does not determine a household's actual voucher amount.

Question 10

Why Does HUD SAFMR Differ from Standard Fair Market Rents (FMR)?

Accepted Answer

Traditional Fair Market Rents (FMR) generally apply to a broader geographic area, while Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMR) provide rent benchmarks at the ZIP Code level. This more localized approach is intended to better reflect differences in rental costs between neighborhoods within the same broader housing market.

Question 11

Does Section 8 Pay the Full Rent?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. A Section 8 voucher generally does not mean that the program pays the entire rent for a household. The household is typically responsible for a portion of its housing costs, while the PHA provides assistance according to applicable program rules, payment standards, income calculations, and the approved rent and utility costs.

Question 12

Does HUD SAFMR Include Utilities?

Accepted Answer

HUD SAFMR is a gross-rent measure that generally accounts for rent and applicable utility costs. When utilities are not included in the contract rent, the applicable PHA may use a utility allowance when determining the amount of assistance and the portion of the housing cost that can be covered. The treatment of utilities can vary according to the applicable program rules and PHA.

Compare Average Rent & HUD SAFMR by ZIP Code

Is HUD Fair Market Rent the Same as Average Rent?

Washington, DC Average Rent & HUD SAFMR by ZIP Code

ZIP Code 20001

ZIP Code 20002

ZIP Code 20003

ZIP Code 20004

ZIP Code 20005

ZIP Code 20006

ZIP Code 20007

ZIP Code 20008

ZIP Code 20009

ZIP Code 20010

ZIP Code 20011

ZIP Code 20012

ZIP Code 20015

ZIP Code 20016

ZIP Code 20017

ZIP Code 20018

ZIP Code 20019

ZIP Code 20020

ZIP Code 20024

ZIP Code 20032

ZIP Code 20036

ZIP Code 20037

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