Location: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC | Metro: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,260 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,360 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,610 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,920 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,547 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,093 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,500 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,775 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,360 | $338,520 | 0.7% | D |
| 2BR | $2,610 | $890,705 | 0.29% | F |
| 3BR | $3,330 | $1,481,686 | 0.22% | F |
| 4BR | $3,920 | $1,936,355 | 0.2% | F |
| 5BR | $4,547 | $2,922,991 | 0.16% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
2370 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 20007, Washington, DC, as of fiscal year 2024, indicating the maximum amount Section 8 participants can be charged for a two-bedroom apartment. 2809 is the market rent, known as ZORI, which reflects the average rent for a similar unit in the same area. This suggests that landlords participating in the Section 8 program could see a slight discount on rents compared to the market rate. 1278692 is the median home value in the area, showing a robust real estate market where properties are highly valued. 43.8 is the percentage of households that rent, illustrating a significant demand for rental properties in this area. 140996 is the median income for the zip code, which is important for understanding the financial capacity of potential tenants. 33 is the number of days it typically takes for a property to sell, indicating a relatively quick turnover in the real estate market. 0.2 is the percentage of homes that have their prices cut, suggesting a competitive but stable market without significant downward pressure on prices.
Given these figures, the disparity between the market rent and the Section 8 FMR is minimal, at just over $400 per month for a two-bedroom unit. This close alignment means that landlords can expect to receive a rent amount that is nearly equivalent to market rates, minimizing any financial impact of participating in the program. The high median home value and strong renter share indicate a vibrant local economy with ample opportunities for investment. Despite the slightly lower income levels, the demand for rental properties remains high, as evidenced by the quick days-on-market statistic. The low price-cut share further supports the idea of a resilient market where homes maintain their value.
The verdict for Section 8 participation in ZIP 20007 is positive. Landlords can expect to remain competitive while receiving government-backed rent payments, ensuring steady cash flow and reduced vacancy risks.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.