FMR by state · 2026
| state | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $820 | $1,040 | $1,350 | $1,580 |
| Florida | $1,290 | $1,590 | $2,010 | $2,420 |
| Georgia | $1,050 | $1,320 | $1,680 | $1,970 |
| Ohio | $820 | $1,030 | $1,340 | $1,520 |
| Texas | $1,050 | $1,310 | $1,680 | $2,010 |
| Michigan | $870 | $1,100 | $1,420 | $1,660 |
| Pennsylvania | $980 | $1,230 | $1,590 | $1,840 |
| Indiana | $810 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,490 |
| Tennessee | $990 | $1,240 | $1,590 | $1,840 |
| North Carolina | $1,010 | $1,260 | $1,610 | $1,870 |
| Missouri | $790 | $990 | $1,270 | $1,470 |
| Illinois | $1,010 | $1,270 | $1,630 | $1,890 |
| Virginia | $1,250 | $1,560 | $1,980 | $2,320 |
| Arizona | $1,060 | $1,340 | $1,710 | $2,020 |
| South Carolina | $940 | $1,180 | $1,510 | $1,760 |
FMRs are illustrative state-wide averages. Actual FMR is set by HUD per HUD Metropolitan FMR Area (HMFA), often county-level — pull HUD's tool for your exact zip.
why Section 8 wins for landlords
- guaranteed rent. HUD pays the landlord's portion directly, on time, every month.
- long tenancy. Section 8 tenants move far less than market-rate tenants — turnover is the killer in SFR.
- above-market rents in some metros. FMRs can exceed private market rent in deeper rural markets.
- stable demand. voucher waitlists have hundreds of thousands of applicants nationally.
- HUD inspections. required HQS standards keep units maintained.
computing DSCR with FMR
Use the FMR as your rent input. If the 2BR FMR is $1,320 and your PITI payment is $980, your DSCR is 1.35 — a strong qualifier for a DSCR loan.
DSCR = Section 8 FMR ÷ monthly PITI
known landlord-friendly Section 8 markets
- Memphis, TN — high voucher density, low entry price.
- Birmingham & Huntsville, AL — high acceptance, growing demand.
- Indianapolis, IN — landlord-friendly state, strong S8 program.
- Cleveland, Dayton & Columbus, OH — affordable, deep demand.
- St. Louis & KC, MO — high cash-flow / low entry.
- Detroit, MI — deep S8 pool, high yield.