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 | $1,480 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,580 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,820 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,970 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,445 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,858 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,167 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,375 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,470 | $620,216 | 0.4% | F |
| 4BR | $2,970 | $646,284 | 0.46% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 97106, located within the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA MSA metro area, serves as a strong cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 97106 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $2030, which exceeds the current market rent of $1719 by a significant margin. This spread indicates that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect higher rental income compared to the local market rates, providing a stable and reliable source of cash flow.
The median home value in ZIP 97106 is $633,507, reflecting a relatively affluent neighborhood. Despite this, the median household income of $104,250 suggests that many residents still rely on affordable housing options, making Section 8 vouchers a practical choice for tenants. With a renter share of 14.4%, there is a notable portion of the population seeking rental properties, including those who benefit from Section 8 assistance.
A cash-flow anchor is crucial for any real-estate investment portfolio, ensuring steady and predictable returns. In ZIP 97106, the guaranteed rent payments through the Section 8 program, combined with the higher FMR rate, make it an ideal location for such an anchor. Landlords can secure a consistent stream of income without the volatility often associated with market-rate rentals.
Furthermore, the Section 8 program provides additional benefits, such as reduced vacancy risk due to the high demand for affordable housing in the area. This ensures that properties remain occupied, further stabilizing the cash flow. Given the financial advantages and the stability offered by the Section 8 program in ZIP 97106, it is evident that this zip code should be prioritized as a cash-flow anchor within a broader investment strategy.
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.