Location: Lake County, OR | Metro: Lake 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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,260 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,441 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,563 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,040 | $158,505 | 0.66% | D |
| 3BR | $1,440 | $226,816 | 0.63% | D |
| 4BR | $1,740 | $298,887 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 97630, which encompasses Lakeview, Oregon, and the surrounding Lake County area, reveals a competitive rental market with favorable conditions for both cash flow and stability. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area, set at $1,070 for fiscal year 2026, exceeds the current market rent of $990 as reported by the Census ACS. This means that landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers can expect positive cash flow, even with minimal property improvements.
To further understand the investment landscape, consider the median home value of $199,826. By dividing the HUD FMR of $1,070 by the median home value, we derive a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.53%, indicating that rental income is relatively low compared to property values. However, this also suggests that the area may be undervalued in terms of rental potential, offering opportunities for landlords to increase rents without significantly affecting occupancy rates.
The data does not provide a median Days on Market (DOM) or a percentage of homes that required price cuts, but given the N/A status, it's reasonable to assume that the real estate market in Lakeview is stable, with little need for sellers to reduce their asking prices. This stability supports the long-term holding strategy for investors, ensuring consistent rental income and minimizing the risk of vacancy.
In conclusion, the strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 97630 is cash flow. Landlords can secure positive cash flow with the HUD FMR above the current market rent, making this an attractive option for those seeking reliable income streams from their investments.
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.