Location: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC | Metro: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,100 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,200 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,430 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,100 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,650 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,234 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,742 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,121 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,377 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Stafford, Virginia (ZIP 22554) operates as a high-income suburban hub within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area, characterized by a strong mix of residential stability and strategic accessibility. This area is defined by its proximity to major employment centers, with the Marine Corps Base Quantico serving as a dominant local institution and economic driver that reinforces the community’s steady population. The neighborhood typically features single-family homes and townhomes, appealing to families who value access to regional commuter routes like I-95 and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) for travel into Northern Virginia and D.C.
From an investment standpoint, the numbers reveal a challenging spread for 2024. The HUD SAFMR for a 2-bedroom unit sits at $1,990, while current market rent (Zillow ZORI) reaches $2,114, resulting in a gap of $124 per month. This subsidy lag means voucher tenants do not achieve full market cash flow in this specific ZIP. With a median home value of $567,044 and properties sitting on the market for a median of 49 days, the asset class is priced at a premium relative to the immediate rental yield available through the Section 8 program.
Demand dynamics are influenced by an affluent renter pool; the median household income is $151,480, yet only 19.7% of residents rent. This lower renter share, combined with high income, suggests a market where tenants may opt for homeownership over long-term renting. The presence of highly rated schools within Stafford County Public Schools and the relative safety of the area creates a stable environment, but the high income ceiling indicates that traditional Section 8 demand may be more limited here compared to lower-cost submarkets.
The Section 8 verdict for 22554 leans toward appreciation and stability rather than immediate cash flow. The high median home value and proximity to Quantico offer strong long-term equity potential, but the $124 negative gap between SAFMR and market rent makes this a "hold" strategy for voucher investors. If you can acquire below the $567,044 median, the appreciation and consistent military-adjacent demand may outweigh the monthly rent cap constraints.
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.