Location: St. Mary's County, MD | Metro: St. Mary's County, 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 | $1,260 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,510 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,610 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,028 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,391 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,662 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,845 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,040 | $372,230 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 20620, located within the St. Mary's County, MD HUD Metro FMR Area, presents a unique profile when compared against other ZIP codes in the same region. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 20620 is set at $1440 for fiscal year 2024, which is a key figure for understanding the rental market dynamics. However, the absence of specific market rent data makes it challenging to directly compare FMR to actual rental rates.
The median home value in ZIP 20620 stands at $434,801. This figure is notably higher than the typical home values found in many ZIP codes within St. Mary's County, MD HUD Metro FMR Area, suggesting that properties here command a premium. Given the high home values, landlords and investors should consider this ZIP code as potentially part of a premium sub-market within the larger area.
The renter share in ZIP 20620 is 3.6%, indicating a relatively low proportion of renters compared to homeowners. This lower renter share can be interpreted as a sign that the area may cater more towards owner-occupied homes rather than rentals, which could impact the demand for rental properties.
To determine if ZIP 20620 represents a value pocket, mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market, we must look at the interplay between its FMR, home values, and renter share. The high median home value suggests a premium sub-market, but without market rent data, it's difficult to ascertain how the FMR compares to what tenants might actually pay. If the actual rents are significantly lower than the FMR, it could indicate a potential value pocket for Section 8 tenants, as lower rents with higher home values often signify an attractive opportunity for subsidized housing programs.
It's important to note that the high home values combined with a below-average renter share do not typically signal a sweet spot for Section 8 investments. For such opportunities, a higher renter share with lower home values would be more indicative of areas where Section 8 tenants could find affordable housing options. However, the high FMR in ZIP 20620 could still attract a certain segment of the rental market, particularly those seeking larger or more luxurious accommodations.
In summary, ZIP 20620 appears to be a premium sub-market within the St. Mary's County, MD HUD Metro FMR Area, characterized by high home values and a relatively low renter share. The lack of market rent data precludes a definitive comparison to the FMR, but the existing figures suggest a niche market with potentially high-end rental opportunities.
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.