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 | $2,010 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,100 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,320 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,950 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,037 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,521 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,883 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,127 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,320 | $616,259 | 0.38% | F |
| 3BR | $2,950 | $784,885 | 0.38% | F |
| 4BR | $3,480 | $1,383,056 | 0.25% | F |
| 5BR | $4,037 | $2,701,206 | 0.15% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
34.4% of residents in ZIP code 20198, The Plains, VA, are renters, indicating a significant demand for rental properties in the area. $950,018 is the median home value, reflecting a relatively affluent neighborhood where homeownership is common but expensive. $1,819 is the average market rent based on Census ACS data, suggesting that rental prices are competitive and high. However, $1350 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Section 8 in zip code 20198 for fiscal year 2024, which is notably lower than the market rent, potentially making it challenging for landlords to cover costs without additional subsidies. $106,518 is the median income for the area, which is above the national average, indicating that tenants in The Plains may have higher earning potential, but it also means that they might be able to afford market rates more easily. The data does not provide specific days on the market (DOM) or percentage of price-cut share, which would be useful metrics for assessing the ease of renting out properties or the need for price adjustments. Given the disparity between the market rent and the Section 8 FMR, landlords should carefully consider their investment strategy, ensuring that they can manage property costs within the subsidy limits. In conclusion, while The Plains offers opportunities for rental investments, the alignment with Section 8 requirements is less favorable due to the lower FMR compared to the local market conditions.
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.