FY2027 Small Area FMR · Memphis, TN
ZIP 38120 Fair Market Rent & Payment Standards
HUD's FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom home in ZIP code 38120 (Memphis, TN) is $1,680 a month, up 5.0% from FY2026. That is 29% above the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area-wide FMR of $1,301.
Payment standard range, 2 bedrooms
Housing agencies may set voucher payment standards anywhere from 90% to 110% of the FMR without asking HUD.
FY2027 FY2026
Where 38120 sits in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area
Of the 105 ZIP codes HUD lists for the area, 38120 has the 11th highest two-bedroom Small Area FMR. Memphis, TN-MS-AR is one of the 65 metro areas where HUD requires Small Area FMRs for the Housing Choice Voucher program (designated 2023), so local housing agencies must set payment standards from this ZIP code's figure, normally between $1,512 and $1,848 for two bedrooms.
All unit sizes
| Unit | FY2027 SAFMR | Payment standard range | Area-wide FMR | FY2026 SAFMR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,410 | $1,269 – $1,551 | $1,095 | $1,330 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,540 | $1,386 – $1,694 | $1,191 | $1,450 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,680 | $1,512 – $1,848 | $1,301 | $1,600 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,220 | $1,998 – $2,442 | $1,717 | $2,110 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,560 | $2,304 – $2,816 | $1,981 | $2,460 |
A household renting a two-bedroom home at the Small Area FMR of $1,680 needs about $67,200 a year to keep housing costs at 30% of income. The area median family income is $92,700 and the 80% low-income limit for four people is $74,150. ZIP code 38120 lies mainly in Shelby County. See the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro page for the full income limits table and the household check.
Nearby ZIP codes
Questions
What is the Fair Market Rent for ZIP code 38120?
HUD's FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents for 38120 are $1,410 (studio), $1,540 (1 BR), $1,680 (2 BR), $2,220 (3 BR) and $2,560 (4 BR) a month.
What is the Section 8 payment standard in 38120?
Housing agencies set payment standards between 90% and 110% of the applicable FMR without HUD approval. For a two-bedroom unit in 38120 that range is $1,512 to $1,848 if the agency uses Small Area FMRs. Ask your housing agency for its actual payment standard.
Which income limits apply in 38120?
The FY2026 income limits of the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area apply: median family income $92,700, low-income (80%) limit $74,150 for a family of four.