Location: Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR | Metro: Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA MSA
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 | $1,720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,110 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,860 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,002 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,482 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,841 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,083 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,110 | $433,681 | 0.49% | F |
| 3BR | $2,860 | $652,884 | 0.44% | F |
| 4BR | $3,450 | $820,299 | 0.42% | F |
| 5BR | $4,002 | $1,003,105 | 0.4% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for a Section 8 investment in ZIP 98607 in Camas, WA, must be carefully considered. First, tenant turnover could be higher due to the market rent of $2,093 being slightly below the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $2,100 for FY 2024. This discrepancy may lead to tenants seeking higher-rent properties outside the Section 8 program. Second, there is significant exposure to vacancy, given that the average Days on Market (DOM) is only 18 days. This short period suggests that properties can become vacant quickly, and it may take longer to find a Section 8 tenant who meets all eligibility requirements. Additionally, the typical home value in the area is $751,813, while the median household income is $128,318. This disparity indicates that landlords might face deferred maintenance issues, as tenants' financial resources may be limited relative to the property's value.
However, these risks are offset by the high renter share in the area, which stands at 21.3%. High renter density generally translates into a robust demand for rental properties, including those accepting Section 8 vouchers. The presence of many renters often correlates with a larger pool of potential Section 8 tenants, increasing the likelihood of finding qualified applicants to fill vacancies promptly.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.