Location: Grays Harbor County, WA | Metro: Grays Harbor County, WA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $940 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,471 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,768 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,989 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,138 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 98571, located in Grays Harbor County, WA metro, reveals several key points. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,220 for fiscal year 2026. However, the current market rent is not available, making it difficult to directly compare the two figures.
Despite the lack of current market rent data, we can infer that voucher tenants will likely cashflow at the FMR rate, given the typical dynamics of Section 8 properties. This means that landlords can expect to cover their mortgage, maintenance, and other costs with the voucher amount, although they may need to ensure that their units are well-maintained and meet all required standards to attract these tenants.
The median home value in the area is $761,699. To derive the rent-to-price ratio, assuming a standard rental yield of around 1%, the expected annual rent would be approximately $7,617. This translates to a monthly rent of about $634.75, which is significantly lower than the HUD FMR of $1,220. This suggests that the area's housing market is somewhat overpriced relative to rental yields, but it also indicates a strong demand for housing, which could support higher rents.
The data does not provide a median Days on Market (DOM) or a price-cut share percentage, which would typically help us understand the rent-vs-buy dynamics better. Without these figures, we cannot accurately assess how long properties take to sell or how often sellers need to reduce their asking prices.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 98571 appears to be stability. Given the high median home value and the fixed nature of HUD FMR, investors can expect consistent cashflow from voucher tenants. Additionally, the demand for housing in the area, supported by the high median home value, suggests that the market is stable and unlikely to experience significant downturns.
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.