Location: Jefferson County, 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 | $1,260 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,132 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,508 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,789 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,978 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,610 | $621,075 | 0.26% | F |
| 3BR | $2,240 | $767,901 | 0.29% | F |
| 4BR | $2,700 | $996,557 | 0.27% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for investing in Section 8 housing in ZIP code 97759 in Sisters, Oregon, include significant tenant turnover, which can be costly for landlords. The market rent for the area is $2,152, while the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $1,600. This disparity indicates that tenants receiving vouchers may struggle to afford higher market rents, leading to frequent moves and increased vacancy periods. Vacancy exposure is also a concern due to the lack of data on days on market (DOM), suggesting unpredictability in how quickly units might fill once they become vacant.
Additionally, there is a notable risk of deferred maintenance. With a typical home value of $788,990 and a median household income of $102,734, the financial strain on residents to cover non-covered maintenance costs could lead to more wear and tear on properties over time. Landlords must be prepared to manage these expenses without the assurance that tenants will contribute significantly beyond their voucher amount.
However, these risks are mitigated by the high concentration of renters in the area, with a 16.0% renter share. A larger percentage of renters typically translates into a higher demand for housing vouchers, ensuring a steady pool of potential tenants who can reliably pay their portion of the rent through the Section 8 program.
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.