Location: Staunton-Stuarts Draft, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,650 | $304,181 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $2,000 | $571,949 | 0.35% | F |
| 4BR | $2,460 | $747,418 | 0.33% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The dynamics of the Wintergreen, VA (ZIP 22958) rental market reveal a landscape where demand closely follows supply, but leans slightly towards favoring landlords. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1270 for fiscal year 2024, the government benchmark indicates a moderate affordability threshold for renters. The actual market rent, as reported by the Census ACS, stands at $1,677, suggesting that the private market commands a premium over the FMR. This implies that there is some level of demand that supports rents above the government's affordability standard.
The median home value in Wintergreen is $571,288. Given the lack of data on price-cut share and days on market (DOM), we cannot definitively state whether supply outpaces demand or vice versa. However, the gap between the FMR and the market rent suggests that there is a segment of the population willing to pay more than the government benchmark, which could indicate a healthy balance of supply and demand.
A 17.9% renter share in the area points to a smaller proportion of residents who are renting compared to owning. This lower renter share might suggest less immediate pressure on rental properties, but it also highlights a significant portion of the population that relies on rentals for their housing needs. Over the long term, a stable renter share can be indicative of steady demand, as it reflects a continuous need for rental units due to various factors such as affordability, lifestyle choices, or transient populations.
In summary, the market in Wintergreen appears to be in a state of flux, where the equilibrium between supply and demand is maintained through higher market rents. The relatively high median home value and moderate renter share suggest a mixed housing market, with opportunities for both ownership and rental investment. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should focus on maintaining competitive rental rates while keeping an eye on broader economic trends that could influence the local housing market.
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.