Location: Medford, OR | Metro: Medford, 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 | $1,130 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,300 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,660 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,086 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,456 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,732 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,919 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,300 | $341,992 | 0.38% | F |
| 2BR | $1,610 | $426,344 | 0.38% | F |
| 3BR | $2,230 | $578,791 | 0.39% | F |
| 4BR | $2,660 | $731,470 | 0.36% | F |
| 5BR | $3,086 | $875,157 | 0.35% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 97520, located in Ashland, Oregon, within the Medford, OR MSA, offers a strategic fit for a Section 8 portfolio due to its characteristics as a cash-flow anchor. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 97520 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1540, which is significantly lower than the market rent of $2,026. This creates a spread of $486 per unit, making it financially advantageous for landlords who can leverage this difference to ensure steady cash flow.
The median home value in ZIP 97520 is $550,585, indicating a relatively stable housing market. However, the primary focus for Section 8 landlords should be on rental properties. With a 0.2% price-cut share and an average Days on Market (DOM) of 36 days, the rental market shows resilience and quick turnover rates, which are beneficial for maintaining consistent occupancy and minimizing vacancy costs.
Ashland's renter share stands at 42.3%, suggesting a moderate demand for rental units. Coupled with the median income of $67,948, there is a sufficient population that qualifies for Section 8 housing assistance. This demographic supports the viability of Section 8 properties within the ZIP code, ensuring a reliable tenant pool.
In conclusion, ZIP 97520 serves as a strong cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio. The substantial gap between FMR and market rents allows landlords to maintain profitability while providing affordable housing options. The low price-cut share and short DOM indicate a robust rental market, further enhancing the potential for positive cash flow. Therefore, investing in this ZIP code aligns well with a portfolio strategy aimed at securing stable and predictable cash flows.
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.