Location: Wahkiakum County, WA | Metro: Wahkiakum County, WA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,220 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,580 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,750 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,420 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,930 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,399 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,807 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,112 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,318 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 98643, located in Rosburg, Washington, is a small community with a total population of 571. Despite the small size, 14.9% of residents are renters, indicating a modest but present demand for rental properties. However, the overall number of renters is limited due to the low population count.
The median household income for this area is not directly available; however, the average household income is $65,000. Given the market rent of $1,670, this means that the typical rent consumes approximately 31.4% of the average household's monthly income. This percentage is relatively high and suggests that tenants may have limited disposable income beyond rent payments.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,140, as set for FY 2026, there is a significant gap. The FMR is lower, indicating that the ZIP code 98643 might be overpriced relative to the federal guidelines for affordable housing. Landlords should be aware that voucher holders might struggle to cover the difference between the FMR and the actual market rent.
A landlord in ZIP code 98643 can expect a tenant pool that includes individuals and families with incomes at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI). These tenants will likely rely heavily on Section 8 vouchers to subsidize their housing costs. Additionally, the community is characterized by its rural setting, which means that tenants may have different needs and expectations compared to urban areas. Landlords should prepare to offer competitive rents close to or at the FMR level to attract and retain Section 8 tenants.
To conclude, while 98643 is not a renter-heavy ZIP code, it does have a niche market for Section 8 vouchers. Landlords must balance the desire for higher rents against the reality of tenant subsidies and the local income levels to ensure a steady stream of qualified applicants.
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.