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 | $1,830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,110 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,690 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,170 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,677 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,447 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,669 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,690 | $512,319 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $3,170 | $692,319 | 0.46% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
16.0% of the population in ZIP code 21710 are renters, indicating a moderate demand for rental properties. With a $1900 Fair Market Rent (FMR) set for zip code 21710 for fiscal year 2024, landlords can expect to align their rental prices with this benchmark to remain competitive and compliant with HUD guidelines. The Census American Community Survey reports a market rent of $2,381, suggesting that the actual rents charged in the area exceed the FMR, providing an opportunity for landlords to adjust their pricing strategies. However, the median home value stands at $670,679, which is significantly higher than the median income of $163,864, implying that homeownership might be less accessible for many residents, thereby increasing the reliance on rental housing.
The lack of specific data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price-cut shares indicates that there might not be enough recent sales activity to provide meaningful insights into the speed of property transactions and the frequency of price reductions. Despite this, the disparity between the FMR and the market rent highlights a potential gap where landlords could benefit from offering affordable housing options that meet or slightly exceed the FMR but remain below the market rent. This strategy could attract tenants who are seeking lower-cost housing alternatives without fully entering the subsidized market.
A final consideration for landlords and small-portfolio investors is the balance between the FMR and the market rent. While the FMR is a guideline for subsidized housing, the market rent reflects what tenants are willing to pay, suggesting a range where landlords can operate profitably while still offering affordable options. Given these figures, landlords should carefully evaluate their costs and potential returns when setting rental prices for properties in ZIP code 21710.
Section 8 verdict: Suitable for landlords willing to offer affordable housing options within the $1900 FMR guideline, with potential for higher market rents.
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.