Location: Westmoreland County, VA | Metro: Richmond County, VA
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 | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,914 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,316 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,432 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,140 | $177,645 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $1,500 | $271,941 | 0.55% | F |
| 4BR | $1,650 | $365,698 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 22572 as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for fiscal year 2026 is $1,130. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge a tenant who is receiving a Section 8 housing voucher. In contrast, the market rent based on Census American Community Survey (ACS) data is $1,002. This indicates that voucher tenants in this area typically cashflow at the FMR level, meaning that landlords can expect to cover their costs and make a profit without having to rely on premium units.
The median home value in ZIP 22572 is $247,344. Using the market rent of $1,002, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio, which stands at approximately 0.4%. This suggests that the rental market is relatively stable compared to the home values, indicating a healthy balance between owning and renting.
However, the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts are not available for this specific ZIP code. These metrics would provide insight into the rent-versus-buy dynamics, such as how quickly homes are selling and whether there are significant price adjustments being made. Without this data, it's difficult to make a precise assessment of the short-term fluctuations in the real estate market.
In conclusion, the strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP 22572 is likely to be cashflow. Given that the FMR exceeds the market rent, landlords can expect to generate positive cash flow from voucher tenants without needing to seek out higher-priced units. This makes Section 8 investments particularly attractive for those seeking steady rental 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.