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 | $1,010 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,840 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,598 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,910 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,143 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,300 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,340 | $489,155 | 0.27% | F |
| 3BR | $1,840 | $618,562 | 0.3% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 97376, located in Seal Rock, OR, within the Lincoln County, OR metro area, serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the region is set at $1,210 for fiscal year 2026, which significantly exceeds the current market rent of $924. This $286 difference provides a strong positive spread that ensures steady and reliable rental income.
The median home value in ZIP 97376 stands at $534,179. Despite this high property value, the positive spread between FMR and market rent means that landlords can secure a higher rent payment through Section 8 vouchers compared to what they might receive on the open market. This makes the ZIP code particularly attractive for those looking to stabilize their cash flow with government-backed rental payments.
While appreciation plays and diversifiers have their merits, the primary focus in ZIP 97376 should be on securing stable cash flow. The price-cut share and days on market (DOM) are not applicable here due to limited data, but the significant gap between the FMR and market rent suggests that landlords will not need to worry about frequent vacancies or price competition. Instead, they can rely on the consistent rental income provided by the Section 8 program.
The renter share of 20.3% and median income of $70,446 indicate a moderate level of economic activity, but these factors are secondary when considering the robustness of cash flow. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should prioritize the guaranteed income from Section 8 vouchers over speculative growth opportunities.
In conclusion, ZIP 97376 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The $286 positive spread between the FMR and market rent ensures a solid financial foundation, making it an excellent choice for those seeking dependable returns.
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.