Location: Wasco County, OR | Metro: Wasco County, OR
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 | $1,250 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,260 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,610 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,028 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,391 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,662 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,845 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,260 | $258,461 | 0.49% | F |
| 2BR | $1,560 | $322,114 | 0.48% | F |
| 3BR | $2,160 | $405,033 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $2,610 | $457,123 | 0.57% | F |
| 5BR | $3,028 | $518,302 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP 97058, located in The Dalles, OR, within Wasco County, reveals several key points for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area, effective for fiscal year 2026, stands at $1,550 per month. In comparison, the market rent, measured by Zillow's ZORI index, is $1,673 per month. This indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow marginally at the FMR rate, requiring landlords to have a keen eye on operating costs and possibly seeking out premium units that can command higher rents without significantly impacting occupancy.
The median home value in ZIP 97058 is $388,187. To understand the rent-to-price ratio, we divide the median monthly rent by the median home value, which yields approximately 0.4%. This ratio suggests that rental income represents a small fraction of the overall property value, indicating that appreciation might be a stronger driver of returns in this market compared to cashflow.
The dynamics between renting and buying in this area do not significantly impact the decision-making process for investors, as evidenced by the N/A-day median Days on Market (DOM) and the 0.2% share of homes making price cuts. These figures imply that the housing market is relatively stable, with minimal competition between buyers and renters driving down property values or increasing vacancy rates.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 97058 is likely appreciation, given the modest rent-to-price ratio and the stable housing market conditions. Landlords and investors should focus on acquiring well-maintained properties that can benefit from long-term value growth, while also being mindful of operational efficiencies to maximize cashflow margins.
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.