Location: Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR | Metro: Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA 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 | $1,420 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,510 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,800 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,248 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,638 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,929 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,125 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,730 | $335,744 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $2,360 | $425,018 | 0.56% | F |
| 4BR | $2,800 | $492,624 | 0.57% | F |
| 5BR | $3,248 | $531,685 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 97051, Saint Helens, Oregon, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,660. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers, which is the maximum amount that the government will pay towards your tenant's rent. It does not mean you can charge $1,660; rather, it's the benchmark used to determine how much assistance a voucher holder receives.
In comparison, the local Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) stands at $1,759. This is the average rent price for the area based on actual rental transactions. The FMR being slightly lower suggests that Section 8 tenants might struggle to find affordable housing without subsidies.
The demand for rental properties in Saint Helens is high, with 35.5% of residents being renters. This indicates a substantial portion of the population relies on rental housing, creating a steady demand for units. However, the availability of affordable units is limited, especially for those with Section 8 vouchers.
If you're considering purchasing a property to use as a Section 8 rental, the median home value in the area is around $425,604. This gives you an idea of the acquisition cost for a typical home in Saint Helens. While this investment can be significant, it also offers a reliable source of income through the Section 8 program, which guarantees timely payments from the government.
Before you proceed, ensure that your property meets the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) required by the Section 8 program. This involves passing an inspection to confirm that the unit is safe, decent, and sanitary. Failure to meet these standards could result in disqualification from the program, so it’s crucial to verify compliance.
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.