Location: Surry County, VA | Metro: Richmond, VA 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 | $1,300 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,360 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,668 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,227 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,388 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,490 | $138,128 | 1.08% | B |
| 3BR | $1,870 | $205,229 | 0.91% | C |
| 4BR | $2,300 | $292,841 | 0.79% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 23890, located in Waverly, VA within the Surry County, VA HUD Metro FMR Area, presents a unique profile compared to other ZIP codes in the county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 23890 is set at $1310 for fiscal year 2024, which is higher than the average market rent of $875. This indicates that while the government sets a higher benchmark for rental rates, actual market rents remain lower, suggesting a potential opportunity for landlords to increase their rental income without exceeding the affordability threshold for low-income renters.
The median home value in ZIP 23890 stands at $192,520, which is notably lower than what might be expected in a county with higher FMRs. This could mean that the area offers better investment opportunities for those looking to purchase properties at a lower price point, especially if they intend to rent them out under Section 8 programs. Additionally, the renter share in this ZIP code is 27.8%, which is above average for the county. A higher proportion of renters combined with lower home values can signal a sweet spot for Section 8 landlords, as it suggests a strong demand for affordable rental housing.
To further contextualize ZIP 23890's position within the Surry County, VA HUD Metro FMR Area, consider the following:
Based on these figures, ZIP 23890 appears to be a value pocket within the Surry County, VA HUD Metro FMR Area. It offers a combination of lower home values and a higher renter share, making it an attractive location for landlords and small-portfolio investors seeking to capitalize on Section 8 opportunities. The divergence between the FMR and the actual market rent also points towards a potential for increasing rental income while still remaining within the guidelines for affordable housing.
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.