Location: Grays Harbor County, WA | Metro: Grays Harbor County, WA
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 | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,030 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,840 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,100 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,436 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,728 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,946 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,330 | $233,008 | 0.57% | F |
| 3BR | $1,840 | $312,746 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $2,100 | $350,652 | 0.6% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 98520, located in Aberdeen, WA, stands out within Grays Harbor County due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a population of 24,888 residents, 35.4% of whom rent their homes, it reflects a community where nearly one-third of the housing units are occupied by renters. The median household income in this area is $58,153, which is relatively modest compared to other parts of Washington State. However, the median home value is significantly higher at $272,264, indicating a stable real estate market despite the lower income levels.
The voucher economics in ZIP 98520 present an interesting scenario. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,210, while the market rent, measured by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), is slightly higher at $1,279. This means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect to receive rental payments that are close to, but slightly below, the actual market rate. The gap between FMR and ZORI suggests that landlords might need to adjust their expectations for rental income when accepting Section 8 tenants, though the difference is minimal and could be offset by the stability of government-backed payments.
Analyzing the data signature of ZIP 98520, it reads as stable. The relatively high median home value coupled with a moderate income level indicates a balanced market where homeownership is accessible to a significant portion of the population. Additionally, the close alignment between FMR and ZORI suggests that the local rental market is well-regulated and predictable, making it suitable for both landlords and small-portfolio investors who prefer steady, reliable returns over speculative gains.
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.