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 | $1,580 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,650 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,830 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,750 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,190 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,573 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,859 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,052 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,650 | $137,629 | 1.2% | B |
| 2BR | $1,830 | $341,137 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $2,330 | $422,998 | 0.55% | F |
| 4BR | $2,750 | $652,231 | 0.42% | F |
| 5BR | $3,190 | $757,002 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 22172, located in Triangle, VA, falls within the broader Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 22172 is set at $1,460 for fiscal year 2024, which is notably lower than the typical market rent of $1,746. This suggests that Triangle offers rental properties at a discount compared to the general market within its metro area.
The median home value in ZIP 22172 stands at $538,955, which is a significant figure but potentially less than what you might find in other parts of the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro. Given the high renter share of 34.3%, this ZIP code could be considered a value pocket within the larger metro area. A higher percentage of renters combined with below-average home values often indicates a sweet spot for Section 8 investments.
To provide a clearer comparison, let's examine the typical figures for ZIP codes within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. Generally, FMRs range from $1,400 to over $2,000, while market rents can exceed $2,000 in some areas. Median home values in the region can surpass $600,000, particularly closer to urban centers. Thus, Triangle, VA, with its below-average FMR and market rent, and slightly below average home value, presents an attractive option for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for a balance between affordability and location.
Investors should note that while the FMR and market rent in Triangle, VA, are lower than the metro-wide averages, the renter share is relatively high. This combination typically signals a strong demand for affordable housing, making it a prime candidate for Section 8 properties. However, it's essential to consider the local real estate trends and policies that could affect long-term investment viability.
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.