Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 98281 - 2027

Investment Score for ZIP 98281

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Point Roberts, WA, located in ZIP code 98281, is a unique enclave that borders Canada and is accessible only by road through British Columbia. This small community offers a tranquil living environment, with a mix of residential properties and seasonal homes. The real estate market here reflects both its remote location and its appeal as a quiet getaway.

• The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment in Point Roberts for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1220.
• The average market rent for all property types in the area, according to the Census American Community Survey (ACS), stands at $1,095.
• The median home value in Point Roberts is $394,651, indicating a relatively stable housing market.
• Renters make up 13.7% of the total population, suggesting a preference for homeownership over renting among residents.
• The median household income in the area is $78,125, providing insight into the economic stability of potential tenants and buyers.
• The days on market (DOM) data is currently N/A, which could be due to the limited number of transactions or the unique nature of the real estate market in this isolated community.

The data points indicate that Point Roberts has a modest rental market with a slight premium for Fair Market Rents, likely due to government standards. The high median home value suggests that the property market is robust, but with a low renter share, it implies that the majority of residents prefer owning their homes. Given the median income, there is a solid economic foundation supporting the local real estate market. However, the lack of DOM data highlights the need for further investigation into the dynamics of property sales and rentals. For investors, the key takeaway is that while the rental market may offer steady returns, the primary opportunity lies in the residential property market, where values are likely to remain stable or appreciate gradually.

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.