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 | $1,110 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,160 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,920 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,227 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,494 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,694 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,829 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,280 | $303,697 | 0.42% | F |
| 3BR | $1,630 | $389,617 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $1,920 | $484,123 | 0.4% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
17.9% of Thurmont, MD's residents are renters, indicating a moderate demand for rental properties in ZIP 21788. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Section 8 in the area is set at $1290 for zip code FY 2024, which is notably higher than the average market rent of $959 reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. This suggests that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect to receive rents above the local average, making it a potentially attractive option. The median home value in Thurmont stands at $395,512, reflecting a relatively stable housing market. However, the median income of $98,856 may limit the number of eligible Section 8 tenants who can afford the higher rents commanded by the area. Despite the lack of specific data on days on market (DOM) and price-cut share, the disparity between the market rent and the Section 8 FMR points to a favorable environment for landlords willing to participate in the program. Given these figures, the Section 8 program offers a reliable source of rental income, albeit with some administrative oversight. For small-portfolio investors, the opportunity to secure long-term tenants at above-average rates makes Thurmont, MD a viable location for Section 8 properties.
Section 8 Verdict: Favorable for landlords seeking stable, above-market rental income.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.