Location: Lincoln County, OR | Metro: Lincoln 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 | $1,160 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,170 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,070 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,970 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,326 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,592 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,772 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,530 | $446,483 | 0.34% | F |
| 3BR | $2,070 | $610,919 | 0.34% | F |
| 4BR | $2,560 | $829,368 | 0.31% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 97341 in Oregon presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, as the market rent stands at $1,466 compared to the Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $1,530 for the fiscal year 2026 in the metropolitan area. This slight premium on FMR suggests that landlords might face higher turnover rates as tenants seek to maximize their voucher benefits.
Vacancy exposure is another risk factor. The average days on market (DOM) for properties in this area is not available, which makes it difficult to predict how long a property might remain vacant between tenants. Given the uncertainty around DOM, landlords should be prepared for potential periods of vacancy, which can impact cash flow and overall profitability.
Deferred maintenance is also a notable issue. With a typical home value of $544,592 and a median income of $66,331, there's a substantial gap between the cost of maintaining homes and the financial capacity of many residents. This could lead to increased maintenance costs for landlords who take on Section 8 properties, especially if they inherit homes that have been neglected over time.
However, these risks are balanced by the high renter share of 17.4%. A large proportion of renters often correlates with higher demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy rates. Landlords in this area can benefit from the consistent demand for rental properties, even if they are subject to the constraints of the Section 8 program.
In conclusion, the risks associated with Section 8 investments in ZIP 97341 include tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance. However, the high renter share provides a counterbalance. Based on this analysis, the verdict for a first-time Section 8 landlord in this area is moderate risk.
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.