Location: Charlottesville, VA | Metro: Charlottesville, VA MSA
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 | $1,280 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,450 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,854 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,196 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,452 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,625 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,000 | $460,958 | 0.43% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 22943, located within the Charlottesville, VA MSA metro, presents itself as a strong cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1700 for FY 2024, and a market rent of only $766, the spread indicates that properties in this area can be rented out at a rate significantly higher than the market average when participating in the Section 8 program. This means that landlords can expect to see positive cash flow from their investments in 22943.
The median home value in 22943 stands at $574,330, which is relatively high for the region. However, the key factor here is the rental market dynamics. The FMR of $1700 is set by HUD to ensure that low-income families have access to decent and safe housing, and it is typically higher than the market rent in most areas. This makes 22943 particularly attractive for Section 8 landlords, as they can potentially earn more than what would be possible in a purely market-driven rental scenario.
The high median income of $80,875 in 22943 suggests that there is a substantial demand for affordable housing options, which aligns well with the Section 8 program's goal of providing assistance to those who need it. While the 45.1% renter share indicates a diverse mix of homeowners and renters, it also implies that there is a significant portion of the population seeking rental options, making the ZIP code a viable choice for landlords focused on steady cash flow.
Given the data, 22943 serves as a solid cash-flow anchor due to the favorable spread between the FMR and the market rent. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider this ZIP code for its potential to generate reliable income through the Section 8 program.
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.