During federal fiscal year 2026, U.S. Army personnel assigned to Puerto Rico lived in 58 of the island's 78 municipalities, generating more than $16.2 million in housing-related economic activity, according to Fort Buchanan. The federal fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30. Based on official Overseas Housing Allowance records, the Army spent an average of $1.35 million per month on rent and utilities in Puerto Rican communities.
Of that, about $817,542.69 per month went to rent and another $533,051 to utilities such as water and electricity. Ulises Marrero, chief executive officer of Fort Buchanan and acting installation commander, said in written statements that the figures show the Army's presence is felt well beyond the gates of the base. He said service members live in communities across Puerto Rico, pay rent, consume services, and are part of daily life in those municipalities, adding that each payment is a direct contribution to the local economy.
Fort Buchanan said it has an annual budget of roughly $500 million and supports a military community of about 15,000 people, including active-duty members, the Reserve, the Puerto Rico National Guard, the Marine Corps Reserve, and the Navy Reserve. The Army Housing Office at Fort Buchanan keeps a registry of available properties for service members assigned to Puerto Rico; interested landlords can call 787-707-3256 or email the housing division.