Location: Tacoma, WA | Metro: Tacoma, WA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,390 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,560 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,650 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,990 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,468 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,195 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,405 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 98439 stands out due to its high rental rate and relatively low median income. With 5,671 residents, 90.8% of whom are renters, it indicates a strong demand for rental properties. The median income here is $50,509, suggesting that many residents rely on assistance such as Section 8 vouchers to afford housing.
In terms of voucher economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 98439 is set at $1,750 for fiscal year 2024. This is notably lower than the market rent, which is reported at $1,873 based on Census ACS data. This discrepancy means that landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers might face a slight shortfall in covering their market rent expectations, though the difference is modest at around $123 per month.
The data signature for ZIP 98439 reads as stable. Despite the significant percentage of renters and the reliance on Section 8 vouchers, the gap between FMR and market rent is minimal. This suggests that landlords can expect consistent tenant behavior and rental income, even if they must slightly adjust their rent to accommodate Section 8 rates. Given the high rental rate and the substantial number of residents, there is a reliable base of potential tenants, making this ZIP code a predictable market for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.