Location: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC | Metro: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD MSA
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 | $1,320 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,060 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,360 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,738 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,067 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,312 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,478 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,060 | $422,458 | 0.49% | F |
| 4BR | $2,360 | $529,421 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 21791, there are several factors that could pose challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Firstly, tenant turnover is a significant concern due to the disparity between the market rent of $1,457 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,410 for fiscal year 2024. This difference can lead to tenants seeking higher subsidies, which might result in frequent moves as they try to secure better deals elsewhere.
Vacancy exposure is another issue to consider. The Days on Market (DOM) for properties in this area is not available, which suggests that it may be difficult to predict how long a property will remain vacant before attracting a tenant. This unpredictability can cause financial strain for landlords who rely on steady rental income.
The deferred-maintenance exposure is also noteworthy. With a typical home value of $449,726 and a median income of $93,015, many residents may struggle to afford necessary repairs and maintenance. Landlords must be prepared to manage these costs themselves, especially when dealing with Section 8 tenants who often have limited funds for such expenses.
However, these risks are balanced by the high renter share of 18.3%. High renter density typically indicates a greater demand for housing vouchers, which can provide a stable source of rental income for landlords willing to participate in the Section 8 program. Despite the potential challenges, the strong demand for affordable housing supports the viability of Section 8 investments in this area.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.