Location: Culpeper County, VA | 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 | $1,620 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,690 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,810 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,260 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,651 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,943 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,140 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,880 | $312,115 | 0.6% | D |
| 3BR | $2,410 | $424,701 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $2,810 | $497,569 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP code 22734 in Remington, VA, include significant challenges related to tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance. Tenant turnover could be higher due to the disparity between the market rent of $1,500 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,340 for fiscal year 2024. This gap suggests that tenants might seek higher market rents elsewhere, leading to increased churn.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, as the days on market (DOM) for the area is not available. Without this data, it's difficult to predict how long a property might remain vacant, which can significantly impact cash flow and profitability. The typical home value in the area is $443,897, while the median income is $80,389. These figures indicate that residents might struggle to afford necessary maintenance and repairs, potentially leaving landlords with the burden of deferred maintenance costs.
However, these risks are tempered by the high renter share of 43.5%, which typically correlates with greater demand for rental properties. In an environment where a large portion of the population is already renting, there is likely to be a robust need for affordable housing options, including those supported by Section 8 vouchers. This demand can stabilize occupancy rates and ensure steady rental income.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.