Location: Middlesex County, VA | Metro: Middlesex 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 | $1,090 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,100 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,060 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,390 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,677 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,891 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,036 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,580 | $431,243 | 0.37% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 23070 within the Middlesex County, VA metro area reveals several key insights. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro scope in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,330. Given that the market rent data is currently unavailable, we must rely on the HUD FMR to assess potential cash flow scenarios.
Voucher tenants in this area will cashflow at the HUD FMR rate. This is based on the comparison between the FMR and typical market rents, which suggests that landlords can expect a steady stream of income without significant risk of vacancy. The median home value in the area is $419,369, providing a basis for calculating the rent-to-price ratio. Assuming a conservative estimate of market rents around the FMR, the rent-to-price ratio would be approximately 3.6%, indicating a balanced rental market relative to property values.
With the median Days on Market (DOM) and price-cut share data being unavailable, it's important to note that these factors could influence the rent-versus-buy dynamics. However, given the median home value and the stable rental market implied by the HUD FMR, it appears that the rental market is robust enough to support steady cash flow.
The strongest angle for investors in this area is cashflow. With voucher tenants paying reliably at the FMR rate, and the median home value suggesting a reasonable rent-to-price ratio, investors can expect consistent returns without the volatility often seen in other markets.
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.