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 | $2,440 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,550 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,820 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,590 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,230 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,907 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,496 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,936 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,233 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,550 | $321,455 | 0.79% | D |
| 2BR | $2,820 | $439,391 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $3,590 | $732,792 | 0.49% | F |
| 4BR | $4,230 | $943,456 | 0.45% | F |
| 5BR | $4,907 | $1,205,713 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Fairfax ZIP code 22030 anchors a well-established suburban environment characterized by high-quality single-family neighborhoods and strong commercial corridors. The area serves as a major economic hub within Northern Virginia, most notably hosting the flagship campus of George Mason University. This institution, along with the nearby Fair Oaks Mall and government contractor offices, provides a steady flow of faculty, staff, and contractors seeking local housing options. The neighborhood maintains a balance of quiet residential streets and convenient retail access, reinforcing its reputation as a stable, desirable community for long-term tenancy.
From a numerical standpoint, Fairfax 22030 presents a precise spread for investors analyzing the Housing Choice Voucher program against the open market. The FY2024 HUD SAFMR for a two-bedroom unit is set at $2410, while the current market rent (Zillow ZORI) sits slightly lower at $2375. This results in a modest gap of $35 in favor of the voucher. Looking ahead, the FY2026 Full FMR ladder anticipates a two-bedroom rate of $2640. Asset values are significant here, with a median home value of $819,609 and a median two-bedroom sale price of $444,263. Inventory moves relatively quickly, with a median days on market of 32 days, indicating robust turnover and active buyer interest.
The tenant pool is defined by high earning potential and a substantial renter population. With a median household income of $139,831 and a renter share of 42.1%, the area attracts a demographic that values the educational amenities and transit links found here. Families are drawn to the highly-rated public schools within the Fairfax County Public Schools system, while commuters benefit from proximity to the Fairfax Boulevard corridor and major thoroughfares like I-66. These amenities help sustain demand, ensuring that properties remain occupied even during broader market slowdowns.
The Section 8 verdict for 22030 leans heavily toward long-term stability and appreciation rather than immediate aggressive cashflow. While the current two-bedroom voucher rate offers only a nominal premium over market rent, the projected FY2026 increase to $2640 suggests improving government-subsidized returns in a high-equity market. Investors should view this ZIP as a defensive play where property appreciation and reliable occupancy—driven by the university and school quality—are the primary returns, with vouchers serving as a dependable floor for income rather than a massive upside lever.
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.