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 | $2,150 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,240 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,480 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,160 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,315 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,833 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,220 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,481 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $3,160 | $428,027 | 0.74% | D |
| 4BR | $3,720 | $534,518 | 0.7% | D |
| 5BR | $4,315 | $594,570 | 0.73% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 20695, located within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area, serves best as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 20695 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $2260, while the market rent stands at $2995. This $735 spread indicates that landlords can expect a stable, predictable cash flow from tenants participating in the Section 8 program. The lower FMR compared to the market rent ensures that the properties remain attractive to both Section 8 tenants and other renters, providing a consistent revenue stream.
The median home value in ZIP 20695 is $479,096, suggesting a relatively high-cost area. However, the Section 8 program's rental subsidy effectively mitigates this risk, allowing landlords to maintain steady occupancy rates without the need for significant price adjustments. Additionally, the ZIP code has a 12.8% renter share, indicating a moderate demand for rental properties, and a median income of $141,959, which supports a robust local economy and reduces the likelihood of tenant financial distress.
While there is a 0.2% price-cut share, this figure is minimal and does not significantly impact the overall profitability of the investment. The N/A-day Days on Market (DOM) suggests that properties in this area either sell quickly or do not typically change hands frequently, which is less relevant for a rental-focused strategy. Therefore, given the stability provided by the Section 8 program and the favorable economic indicators, ZIP 20695 is well-suited to act as a cash-flow anchor in a diversified real estate portfolio.
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.