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 | $1,920 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,010 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,830 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,863 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,327 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,673 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,907 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,220 | $297,207 | 0.75% | D |
| 3BR | $2,830 | $447,293 | 0.63% | D |
| 4BR | $3,330 | $591,677 | 0.56% | F |
| 5BR | $3,863 | $736,093 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 22556, located in Stafford, VA, within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area, serves as a solid cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Family Monthly Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $1890, while the market rent stands at $2,694. This creates a significant spread that landlords can leverage to ensure steady cash flow.
The median home value in ZIP 22556 is $533,470, which is relatively high compared to the average rental rates. However, the Family Monthly Rent provides a consistent and reliable source of income, protected by government subsidies. Landlords can expect to receive the full FMR amount for each unit occupied by a Section 8 tenant, thus anchoring their cash flow against market fluctuations.
A key factor supporting this as a cash-flow anchor is the low 0.2% price-cut share and a 21-day Days on Market (DOM). These figures indicate that properties in this area are highly sought after and sell quickly without the need for significant price reductions. This stability reduces the risk of vacancy and ensures that landlords can maintain a steady income stream from their Section 8 units.
Additionally, the renter share in ZIP 22556 is 19.4%, and the median income is $137,287. While the renter share is moderate, the high median income suggests that there is a strong economic base supporting both rental and homeownership markets. This further strengthens the case for ZIP 22556 as a cash-flow anchor, as landlords can rely on a robust demand for rentals even if some tenants leave the program.
In summary, ZIP 22556 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy due to its stable market conditions and the substantial difference between the FMR and market rents. Landlords should focus on maximizing occupancy and leveraging the government subsidy to secure predictable and reliable income.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.