Location: Lewis County, WA | Metro: Lewis County, WA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,090 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,860 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,170 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,517 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,045 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,197 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 98539, located within Lewis County, WA, has a Family Monthly Rent (FMR) of $1,270 for the fiscal year 2026. This figure is key when comparing it against other ZIP codes within the same county. While the market rent and home values for 98539 are currently not available, its 8.8% renter share provides insight into the rental dynamics of the area.
In Lewis County, WA, the average FMR is typically lower than $1,270, suggesting that 98539 might be slightly above the county's average in terms of rental costs. However, the absence of market rent and home value data for 98539 makes it challenging to definitively categorize it as a value pocket, a mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market within the Lewis County metro.
Despite this limitation, the 8.8% renter share is worth noting. In areas where the renter share is high but home values are significantly below the metro average, such conditions often indicate a sweet spot for Section 8 investments. This is because a higher proportion of renters may be relying on government subsidies, making these properties attractive to tenants who qualify for housing assistance programs.
Without specific market rent and home value data for comparison, we can infer that 98539 could potentially be a value pocket if its home values are indeed lower than the Lewis County average. This would align with the higher-than-average FMR, implying that rental properties here could benefit from a steady stream of subsidized tenants while maintaining competitive rents.
To make a more precise determination, landlords and small-portfolio investors should seek out additional local data on market rents and home values. This will help clarify whether 98539 offers an advantageous investment opportunity within the Lewis County, WA metro, particularly for those interested in Section 8 properties.
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.