Location: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC | Metro: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,030 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,120 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,340 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,980 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,072 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,561 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,926 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,172 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Falls Church, VA, located within the 22041 ZIP code, presents itself as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This conclusion is drawn based on the financial metrics available for the area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $2,050 for ZIP 22041. In contrast, the market rent stands at $2,340, indicating a significant spread that benefits landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
The spread between the FMR and the market rent provides a substantial cushion for cash flow stability. Landlords can secure rental income that is closer to the market rate while still benefiting from the guaranteed payments through the Section 8 voucher program. This makes Falls Church an attractive location for those seeking consistent, reliable income streams from their rental properties.
A further examination of the area's characteristics supports this strategy. The median home value in ZIP 22041 is $446,596, which places it in a higher-value bracket, but the relatively low price-cut share of 0.2% and a modest Days on Market (DOM) of 9 days suggest that the housing market is stable and efficient. While these factors do contribute to potential appreciation plays, they are secondary to the immediate cash flow benefits when considering a Section 8 portfolio.
The high median income of $92,636 also bolsters the argument for Falls Church as a cash-flow anchor. Tenants with higher incomes are more likely to maintain their rental obligations, reducing the risk of default or delinquency. Additionally, the 46.7% renter share indicates a robust demand for rental properties, ensuring a steady stream of potential tenants.
In summary, ZIP 22041 in Falls Church, VA, serves as a strong cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio due to the favorable spread between the FMR and market rent, coupled with the stability provided by a high median income and a significant renter share. These attributes make it a valuable addition for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to balance their investments with reliable, long-term returns.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.