Location: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | Metro: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA
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 | $2,090 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,200 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,570 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,710 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,304 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,820 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,206 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,466 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $3,240 | $774,034 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $3,710 | $1,006,918 | 0.37% | F |
| 5BR | $4,304 | $1,358,587 | 0.32% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 20759 in Maryland has a unique position when it comes to real estate investment, especially for Section 8 landlords and small-portfolio investors. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $2,600 for fiscal year 2024, compared to the market rent of $3,501, this area offers a higher yield potential. The disparity between the FMR and the market rent suggests that landlords participating in the Section 8 program could still achieve a decent profit margin while providing affordable housing.
On the stability axis, the data indicates a mixed picture. The median household income in ZIP 20759 is $250,001, which is quite high, suggesting a relatively stable economic environment. However, the percentage of renters is only 3.9%, which is low, indicating that the majority of residents might prefer homeownership over renting. This could imply less turnover and potentially more stable tenancy for those who do rent.
The median home value in ZIP 20759 is $996,577, reflecting a high-end residential area. While this figure does not directly impact rental yields, it does suggest that the overall property values are strong, which could benefit long-term investments.
Based on these figures, ZIP 20759 appears to be more of a steady-cashflow zone rather than a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market. The combination of a decent yield gap between FMR and market rents, coupled with high median incomes, makes it suitable for investors looking for reliable returns without the volatility often associated with flipping properties.
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.