Location: Jefferson County, WV | 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 | $1,390 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,450 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,060 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,807 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,396 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,566 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,610 | $421,276 | 0.38% | F |
| 3BR | $2,060 | $652,888 | 0.32% | F |
| 4BR | $2,420 | $977,311 | 0.25% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 20135, located in Bluemont, VA, presents a unique balance between yield and stability when considering real estate investments under Section 8. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,520 per unit for fiscal year 2024, it exceeds the local market rent of $1,404. This indicates a higher potential rental income for Section 8 properties compared to the general market.
However, the stability of the area is somewhat compromised. The percentage of renters in the area stands at 8.4%, which is relatively low, suggesting that the majority of residents are homeowners rather than tenants. Additionally, the median household income in the area is $114,219, which is above average but does not necessarily correlate with a high demand for Section 8 housing.
The home value in ZIP 20135 is notably high at $646,434. This suggests that the cost of acquiring property in this area would be significant, potentially leading to higher upfront investment costs and longer payback periods. Given the high home values and the relatively low percentage of renters, the area leans more towards being a steady-cashflow zone rather than a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market. While the FMR provides a marginally better yield than the market rent, the overall context of the ZIP code points towards a more conservative investment strategy, where the focus is on long-term, stable returns rather than quick flips or high-risk, high-reward scenarios.
To summarize, the primary factors driving this classification are the slightly elevated FMR over market rent, the high median home value, and the low percentage of renters. These elements combine to suggest an environment suitable for investors looking for reliable, though not exceptionally high, cash flows.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.