Location: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC | Metro: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,650 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,120 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,619 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,377 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,596 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 21705 is positioned within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 21705 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1620. This figure provides insight into the rental cost threshold for housing assistance under the Section 8 program.
While specific market rent and home value data for ZIP 21705 are currently unavailable, the absence of these figures does not necessarily indicate a lack of information but rather that the data might be incomplete or not regularly updated for all ZIP codes. However, we can still make some inferences based on the FMR alone.
The FMR of $1620 for ZIP 21705 suggests that it could potentially be a value pocket within the broader Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area, which is known for its generally higher cost of living and housing expenses. Given that the metro area includes some of the most expensive real estate markets in the country, an FMR of $1620 could indicate relatively lower rental costs compared to other areas in the region.
To further contextualize, consider that typical ZIP codes within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area have higher FMRs. For instance, ZIP codes closer to the urban centers of Washington, D.C., Arlington, VA, and Alexandria, VA, often have FMRs exceeding $2000 per month. Thus, ZIP 21705 stands out as having lower rental costs, which is favorable for landlords and small-portfolio investors seeking to maximize returns on investment.
The unknown percentage of renter share also makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons with other ZIP codes in the area. However, if ZIP 21705 has a higher renter share than average with below-metro home values, it would signal a potential sweet spot for Section 8 participants. This combination typically indicates an area where there is a significant demand for affordable rental housing, which could attract more tenants eligible for Section 8 assistance.
In summary, based on the available data, ZIP 21705 appears to be a value pocket within the larger Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area, offering relatively lower rental costs as indicated by its FMR. This makes it an attractive option for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to serve the needs of low-income renters while still maintaining competitive returns.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.