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 | $2,540 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,650 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,730 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,104 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,716 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $6,173 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,482 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,930 | $412,507 | 0.71% | D |
| 3BR | $3,730 | $588,216 | 0.63% | D |
| 4BR | $4,400 | $878,936 | 0.5% | F |
| 5BR | $5,104 | $1,118,296 | 0.46% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median income in ZIP 22079, Lorton, Virginia, stands at $148,134. Given the market rate rent, known as ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), is $2,421, it's important to evaluate whether households can afford these rents. The Family Monthly Income (FMI) for the Fair Market Rent (FMR) in the zip code for fiscal year 2024 is set at $2,420. This means that the market rate is nearly identical to the government-subsidized voucher payment standard.
With a population of 35,284 and 24.1% of residents being renters, the competition among landlords in Lorton is significant. The affordability gap between median income and market rate rent suggests that while some households can comfortably afford the $2,421 market rate, others may struggle without financial assistance such as housing vouchers.
The takeaway for landlords considering voucher versus cash-pay strategies is clear. Given the high median income, there is a strong base of potential cash-paying tenants who can meet the market rate. However, the similarity between the ZORI and FMR indicates that voucher tenants can also pay close to the market rate, making them a viable option. Landlords should weigh the benefits of consistent, subsidized payments from voucher holders against the potentially higher but less predictable income from cash-paying tenants.
In conclusion, landlords in ZIP 22079 have a balanced opportunity to attract both types of tenants. The decision to accept vouchers or focus on cash-paying residents should be based on individual business goals and risk tolerance, with an understanding that both markets offer competitive rates close to $2,420 per month.
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.