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 | $2,670 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,930 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,620 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,359 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $6,002 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $6,482 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,806 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $3,930 | $464,311 | 0.85% | C |
| 4BR | $4,620 | $653,444 | 0.71% | D |
| 5BR | $5,359 | $737,784 | 0.73% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 20769, located in Loudoun County, Virginia, is part of a thriving suburban area characterized by its proximity to Washington D.C., strong job market, and high quality of life. This region attracts a diverse mix of residents, including young professionals, families, and retirees.
Synthesizing these points, ZIP 20769 presents a balanced investment opportunity. While the renter share is modest, the high median income and stable property values suggest that rental demand will persist. The gap between the FMR and the actual market rent provides a margin for landlords to adjust their pricing strategies without deterring tenants. For small-portfolio investors, focusing on properties that offer amenities and locations attractive to young professionals and families could yield favorable returns. However, given the strong homeownership trend, it's important to target the niche market effectively to maximize occupancy and rental income.
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.