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 | $1,540 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,640 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,890 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,090 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,584 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,335 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,552 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,640 | $205,025 | 0.8% | D |
| 2BR | $1,890 | $400,112 | 0.47% | F |
| 3BR | $2,570 | $570,489 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $3,090 | $695,011 | 0.44% | F |
| 5BR | $3,584 | $790,513 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment risk assessment for ZIP code 97224 in Tigard, OR, reveals several potential challenges that landlords should consider before engaging with Section 8 tenants. First, tenant turnover is a significant concern. The market rent stands at $1,813, while the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $1,980. This discrepancy can lead to frequent changes in occupancy, which is detrimental to long-term property management and financial planning.
Vacancy exposure is another critical issue. With an average Days on Market (DOM) of 31 days, landlords may face periods where their properties are unoccupied, leading to a loss of rental income. This is particularly concerning when considering the high typical home value of $607,933 and the median income of $98,125. These figures suggest that maintenance costs could be substantial, and deferred maintenance poses a risk to the property's condition and value over time.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high renter share of 30.0%. High renter density often correlates with higher demand for housing vouchers, such as Section 8. This increased demand can help mitigate the risk of vacancy and ensure a steady stream of tenants willing to pay the FMR. Additionally, the presence of many renters indicates a robust market for rental properties, which can be advantageous for landlords looking to manage their portfolios effectively.
In conclusion, the overall risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 97224 is moderate. While there are significant challenges related to tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance, the high renter share provides a buffer against these risks, making it a viable option for those prepared to navigate the complexities of the program.
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.