Location: Albany, OR | Metro: Albany, OR 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 | $1,230 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,440 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,760 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,155 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,534 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,817 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,008 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,760 | $340,871 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $2,430 | $438,584 | 0.55% | F |
| 4BR | $2,720 | $506,843 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP code 97327, located in Brownsville, Oregon, include significant tenant turnover and substantial vacancy exposure. The market rent for the area is $1,007, which is notably lower than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,590 for FY 2024. This discrepancy suggests that tenants might be more likely to move if they find housing outside the subsidized program that better matches their budget or needs, leading to frequent turnover. Additionally, the lack of available data on the number of days on market (DOM) indicates a higher risk of prolonged vacancies, which can significantly impact cash flow.
The typical home value in Brownsville is around $443,275, while the median household income stands at $81,267. These figures suggest that there could be deferred maintenance issues, as many homeowners may struggle to afford necessary repairs and improvements without financial assistance. For landlords, this means that properties in the area might require more attention and investment to maintain quality standards, especially when dealing with Section 8 tenants who might have limited resources for upkeep.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high renter share in the area, which is 19.0%. A significant portion of the population relies on rental housing, often indicating a robust demand for Section 8 vouchers. High renter density typically translates into a larger pool of potential tenants, reducing the likelihood of long-term vacancies. Moreover, the presence of numerous renters can also stabilize the local rental market, providing a steady stream of applications and minimizing the impact of individual tenant turnovers.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.