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 | $1,420 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,510 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,800 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,248 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,638 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,929 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,125 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,730 | $389,671 | 0.44% | F |
| 3BR | $2,360 | $495,768 | 0.48% | F |
| 4BR | $2,800 | $561,196 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 98610, located in Carson, WA, has a population of 2,832 individuals, with 22.9% being renters. This indicates that the area is not heavily dominated by renters but still maintains a notable rental presence. The median household income stands at $72,773, which provides context for understanding the economic landscape of the region.
The typical market rent in this area is $910 per month. Given the median household income, this means that the average rent consumes approximately 12.6% of the local income. To calculate this, we divide the monthly rent ($910) by the annual median income ($72,773), then multiply by 12 months to get the percentage of annual income spent on rent: (910 / 72773) * 12 = 12.6%. This figure suggests that the cost of renting is relatively manageable for most residents.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,660 for FY 2024, it's evident that the actual rent in 98610 is significantly below the FMR. This discrepancy could indicate either a lower cost of living in the area or a potential underutilization of housing resources, leaving room for landlords to potentially increase rents without alienating tenants.
In terms of voucher demand, the scarcity of such information makes it challenging to ascertain the depth of voucher usage in this specific ZIP code. However, given the population size and the percentage of renters, it is reasonable to infer that while there might be some demand for vouchers, it is likely not as high as in larger urban areas with higher percentages of renters.
A landlord in 98610 can expect tenants who are financially stable enough to afford rent that is a modest portion of their income. These tenants are likely to have a mix of employment backgrounds, ranging from those working in local industries to retirees. The smaller size of the rental market suggests that competition among landlords may be less intense compared to densely populated areas, allowing for more personalized tenant relationships and management practices.
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.