Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 20155 - 2027

Location: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC | Metro: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area

Investment Score for ZIP 20155

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$3,250

Median Price (2BR)

$513,588

1% Rule

0.63%

Annual Yield

7.59%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$2,810
1 Bedroom	$2,940
2 Bedrooms	$3,250
3 Bedrooms	$4,140
4 Bedrooms	$4,880
5 Bedrooms	$5,661
6 Bedrooms	$6,340
7 Bedrooms	$6,847
8 Bedrooms	$7,189

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$3,250	$513,588	0.63%	D
3BR	$4,140	$594,308	0.7%	D
4BR	$4,880	$826,337	0.59%	F
5BR	$5,661	$972,846	0.58%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

37,486

Median Household Income

$164,279

Housing Units

13,004

Renter Percentage

14.1%

Occupancy Rate

97.4%

Renter Occupied

1,791

Gainesville, Virginia, located in ZIP code 20155, is a suburban community known for its proximity to Washington D.C. and its high-quality schools. This area attracts a diverse range of residents, including families and professionals, making it a desirable location for real estate investments. Here is a concise analysis based on key metrics:

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 20155 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $2,660, indicating the government's benchmark for rental affordability.
The market rent, as measured by Zillow's ZORI index, stands at $2,902, suggesting that the actual rental prices are slightly above the FMR.
The median home value in Gainesville is $755,173, reflecting the overall high cost of homeownership in the area.
Renters make up 14.1% of the population, which is relatively low but still significant enough to support a rental market.
The days on market (DOM) for properties is 5 days, demonstrating a robust demand and quick turnover for listings.
The median household income is $164,279, which is substantially higher than the national average, pointing to a financially stable tenant base.

The data suggests that Gainesville offers a solid investment opportunity, particularly for those interested in long-term rental properties. The slight premium of market rents over FMR indicates potential for modestly priced rental units to attract tenants. However, the low renter share and high median home value suggest that the majority of residents prefer homeownership, which could limit the size of the rental market. The quick DOM and high median income are positive indicators, ensuring that there is both demand and financial stability among potential tenants. For investors, focusing on properties that cater to the local demographic's needs and preferences will likely yield favorable returns.

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.