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 | $2,490 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,590 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,870 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,660 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,310 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,000 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,600 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $6,048 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,350 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,870 | $395,596 | 0.73% | D |
| 3BR | $3,660 | $546,845 | 0.67% | D |
| 4BR | $4,310 | $727,491 | 0.59% | F |
| 5BR | $5,000 | $903,102 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 20871, located in Clarksburg, MD, presents a dynamic rental market that is currently favoring landlords and small-portfolio investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area stands at $2520 for fiscal year 2024, while the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) indicates a slightly higher market rent of $3,068. This suggests that the market is robust and rents are trending above the government-set benchmarks.
The low price-cut share of 0.2% further supports the idea that the rental market in Clarksburg is strong, as it implies that few properties are being discounted to attract tenants. Additionally, the days on market (DOM) of just 10 days for rentals underscores the quick turnover and high demand for available units. Landlords can take advantage of these conditions to maintain or even increase their rental rates without fear of losing tenants.
The median home value in Clarksburg is $635,695, which is relatively high for the region. This could indicate that homeownership is more prevalent, but the 9.4% renter share suggests otherwise. With such a significant portion of the population renting, there is likely to be ongoing pressure on the rental market, ensuring steady demand for rental properties. This dynamic is particularly important for long-term investment strategies, as it points to a stable and potentially growing tenant base.
In summary, the market in ZIP 20871 leans towards demand outpacing supply, driven by a strong rental environment and a notable renter share. These factors create a favorable scenario for landlords and investors looking to capitalize on current market conditions without speculative projections.
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.