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 | $2,180 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,280 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,780 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,385 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,911 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,304 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,569 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,520 | $405,305 | 0.62% | D |
| 3BR | $3,210 | $464,811 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $3,780 | $562,633 | 0.67% | D |
| 5BR | $4,385 | $638,511 | 0.69% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Woodbridge, ZIP code 22191, serves as a pivotal residential hub within Prince William County, characterized by a blend of established suburban neighborhoods and active commercial corridors. The area benefits significantly from its proximity to the Interstate 95 corridor, offering direct commuter access to Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia job centers. A major institution shaping the local economy is the Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, which anchors the healthcare sector and provides steady employment, reinforcing the neighborhood's stability and appeal for long-term residency.
Focusing strictly on the financial metrics, the HUD SAFMR for a 2-bedroom unit is $2,030, while the current market rent (Zillow ZORI) sits higher at $2,197, resulting in a gap of $167 per month. This suggests that strict voucher caps may slightly underperform market rates. For property owners, the median home value is $489,046, with a median 2BR sale price of $406,684. Properties are moving at a moderate pace, with a median of 57 days on market. Investors should calculate their mortgages against the $2,030 HUD cap rather than the gross market rate to ensure accurate cash-flow projections.
The tenant pool here is substantial, with 42.9% of households renting and a median household income of $109,316. This income level suggests that while the area is affluent, there is a strong demand for quality rental options from families and professionals who may not yet be ready to buy. The local demand is further bolstered by access to the Potomac Mills mall and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Woodbridge station, which are key amenities that attract commuters. Additionally, the presence of highly-rated public schools in the Prince William County system makes this location particularly desirable for families utilizing housing vouchers.
The Section 8 verdict for 22191 leans toward stability and appreciation over aggressive immediate cash flow. While the $167 gap between the $2,030 voucher payment and the $2,197 market rent is a consideration, the high median income and 42.9% renter share indicate a deep pool of qualified tenants. The strongest investor angle here is bet-hedging: acquiring assets below the $489,046 median value in a neighborhood with solid institutional employers like Sentara, ensuring long-term asset appreciation even if the monthly voucher yield trails the open market slightly.
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.