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About Our Data & Methodology

Official sources. Transparent process. Fair decisions.

Data Sources

HUD FY 2026 Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMR)

Our rent data comes directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) official FY 2026 Small Area Fair Market Rent dataset. HUD publishes these values annually to establish rent standards for the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) and other federal housing assistance programs.

Small Area FMRs provide ZIP code-level granularity, offering more accurate local market data compared to traditional metro-area FMRs. This ensures our estimates reflect the actual rental market conditions in your specific neighborhood.

Energy Information Administration (EIA) Data

Utility cost estimates are based on residential electricity rate data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). We use state-level average rates to provide realistic utility budgeting guidance for renters.

Our Methodology

RentByZip provides a simple, transparent tool for accessing official government housing data. We do not manipulate, predict, or inflate the numbers. Our approach is straightforward:

  1. Data Collection: We download the official HUD FY 2026 SAFMR dataset and EIA energy rate files directly from government sources.
  2. Data Processing: We parse and structure the data by ZIP code, preserving the original HUD values for studio, 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, and 4BR units.
  3. Utility Calculations: We apply state-level residential electricity rates to estimate monthly utility costs based on typical household energy consumption patterns.
  4. Presentation: We display this data in a clean, accessible format with no ads, no paywalls, and no gimmicks.

We believe transparency builds trust. That's why we clearly cite our sources and explain exactly how we calculate every number shown on this site.

Our Purpose

RentByZip exists to help tenants and landlords make fair, informed decisionsbased on reliable government data.

For Tenants: Know what fair market rent looks like in your area. Use this information to negotiate leases, apply for housing assistance, or budget for a move.

For Landlords: Understand HUD benchmarks when setting rents for Section 8 voucher holders or simply gauging market rates in your ZIP code.

For Researchers & Advocates: Access clean, structured FMR data for housing policy analysis, affordability studies, or community planning.

Important Disclaimers

For informational purposes only. This tool provides estimates based on government data. Actual rents, utility costs, and housing availability may vary significantly based on property condition, location, amenities, and local market dynamics.

Not legal or financial advice. Consult with qualified professionals for housing counseling, legal guidance, or financial planning.

Data updates. HUD publishes updated FMR data annually, typically in the fall. This site reflects FY 2026 data and will be updated when new official data becomes available.