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 | $1,940 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,030 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,850 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,360 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,898 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,366 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,715 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,951 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,240 | $210,497 | 1.06% | B |
| 3BR | $2,850 | $344,075 | 0.83% | C |
| 4BR | $3,360 | $400,079 | 0.84% | C |
| 5BR | $3,898 | $432,124 | 0.9% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Suitland-Silver Hill, located in ZIP code 20746 within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area, serves as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This designation is based on the tight alignment between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD and the prevailing market rents in the area.
The HUD FMR for ZIP 20746 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1810. Comparatively, the current market rent stands at $1,808, indicating that there is minimal difference between the two figures. This parity ensures that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect stable rental income without significant fluctuations due to market conditions. Moreover, the median home value in the area is $335,916, which reflects a moderate housing market where property values are neither excessively high nor low.
The slight premium offered by the HUD FMR over the market rent provides a small buffer for landlords. However, this spread does not significantly impact the overall cash flow but rather stabilizes it. Given the economic context of Suitland-Silver Hill, where the median income is $79,330, the housing market remains competitive, and landlords can rely on consistent demand for rental properties.
In contrast, Suitland-Silver Hill does not present itself as an appreciation play. The 0.2% price-cut share suggests that very few landlords need to lower their rents to attract tenants, indicating a relatively strong rental market. However, the N/A-day Days on Market (DOM) implies that there is insufficient data to assess how quickly properties are leased, which is a critical metric for appreciation plays.
Nor does it serve primarily as a diversifier. While the 65.0% renter share indicates a substantial portion of the population relies on rental housing, this figure alone does not necessitate diversification within a portfolio. Instead, it highlights a robust tenant base that supports steady cash flows.
Therefore, Suitland-Silver Hill should be considered a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy due to the close match between HUD FMR and market rents, ensuring reliable income for landlords.
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.