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 | $1,890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,970 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,180 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,780 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,270 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,793 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,588 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,817 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,180 | $357,926 | 0.61% | D |
| 3BR | $2,780 | $472,957 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $3,270 | $663,278 | 0.49% | F |
| 5BR | $3,793 | $812,652 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 22026, located in Dumfries, Virginia, is part of Prince William County and stands out due to its relatively high median income of $124,318 and median home value of $583,710. The area has a total population of 22,897, with 28.3% of residents renting their homes.
The voucher economics in ZIP 22026 reveal a significant disparity between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the market rent (ZORI). For fiscal year 2024, the FMR is set at $1,880, which is notably lower than the ZORI of $2,748. This difference means that landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers in this area will receive a subsidy that covers less than two-thirds of the typical market rent. As such, landlords should be prepared to cover the remaining costs or consider the potential impact on their rental income when deciding to accept Section 8 tenants.
Based on the data signature, ZIP 22026 appears to be a stable area, characterized by a robust median income and high median home values. These factors suggest that the local economy is strong and likely supports a steady demand for housing. However, the relatively low percentage of renters and the gap between FMR and market rents indicate that the area may also present challenges for those seeking affordable housing solutions. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should carefully weigh these economic indicators when making investment decisions in this ZIP code.
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.