Location: Klickitat County, WA | Metro: Klickitat 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 | $870 |
| 1 Bedroom | $960 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,972 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,505 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $960 | $240,123 | 0.4% | F |
| 2BR | $1,250 | $252,108 | 0.5% | F |
| 3BR | $1,630 | $349,832 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $1,700 | $418,176 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 98620, located in Goldendale, WA, within the Klickitat County, WA metro area, presents an interesting profile when compared against typical ZIP codes in the county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,180, whereas the actual market rent in 98620 is $900, indicating that rents here are below the metro average. This suggests a potentially lower cost of living or less demand for rental properties in this area.
The median home value in 98620 stands at $314,460, which is a figure that landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider when evaluating the overall real estate market in Klickitat County. If this value is lower than the typical home values across other ZIP codes in the county, it could indicate a more affordable housing market in Goldendale, making it attractive for those seeking to invest in real estate at a lower entry point.
The renter share in 98620 is 30.7%, which is notable if it exceeds the average renter share in other parts of Klickitat County. A higher percentage of renters combined with lower home values can be indicative of a Section 8 sweet spot, where there's a greater likelihood of rental subsidies being utilized. This makes the area appealing for landlords who might benefit from the stability and income predictability that comes with Section 8 tenants.
To determine whether 98620 represents a value pocket, a mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market within its metro, we must compare these figures to the broader Klickitat County averages. Given the lower-than-metro FMR and market rent, along with a higher-than-average renter share, it appears that 98620 could be a value pocket. This classification is based on the assumption that lower rents and home values, coupled with a significant number of renters, often attract subsidized housing programs such as Section 8, offering a stable tenant pool at reasonable rates.
However, without direct comparison to other ZIP codes' figures, this inference remains contextual to the provided data points. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, 98620 offers a unique opportunity to capitalize on a potentially undervalued real estate market with a strong presence of rental subsidies.
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.