How does the Section 8 payment standard work?

Your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) picks a payment standard between 90% and 110% of HUD's Fair Market Rent for your area (or the Small Area FMR for your ZIP). That's the most the voucher will pay toward rent and tenant-paid utilities. You generally pay about 30% of your adjusted monthly income.

Is this an official HUD tool?

No. Section8HQ is an independent educational resource. We publish HUD's public-domain Fair Market Rent data; the actual payment standard and rent approval come from your local PHA.

Where does the data come from?

Directly from HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent and Small Area FMR files (public domain), refreshed each fiscal year.

Section 8 voucher & Fair Market Rent calculator

Enter a ZIP code or pick a county to see the FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rent and the 90–110% Section 8 payment-standard range, then check whether a specific rent fits.

ZIP code (most precise — uses Small Area FMR)

— or pick a county —

State

County

How to use it

Lookup: type a ZIP (most precise — uses Small Area FMR) or choose a state and county.
Rent check: enter a unit size and monthly rent to see if it's within the likely payment standard.

Heads up: The figure above is the HUD Fair Market Rent. Your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) sets the actual payment standard — usually between 90% and 110% of it — so confirm your exact amount with the PHA that issued the voucher.

FAQ

How does the Section 8 payment standard work?: Your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) picks a payment standard between 90% and 110% of HUD's Fair Market Rent for your area (or the Small Area FMR for your ZIP). That's the most the voucher will pay toward rent and tenant-paid utilities. You generally pay about 30% of your adjusted monthly income.
Is this an official HUD tool?: No. Section8HQ is an independent educational resource. We publish HUD's public-domain Fair Market Rent data; the actual payment standard and rent approval come from your local PHA.
Where does the data come from?: Directly from HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent and Small Area FMR files (public domain), refreshed each fiscal year.

This page shows official HUD Fair Market Rent data for general educational use — it is not legal, financial, or housing advice, and is not a guarantee of any voucher amount. Your local Public Housing Authority sets the actual payment standard and approves rents. Always confirm with your PHA and the official HUD FMR data.