Location: Okanogan County, WA | Metro: Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, 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 | $940 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,030 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,860 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,270 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,633 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,185 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,344 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,350 | $212,852 | 0.63% | D |
| 3BR | $1,860 | $305,337 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 98813, located in Bridgeport, WA, within the Okanogan County metro area, is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This classification is based on the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD for fiscal year 2024 and the local market rent, as well as the median home value.
The FMR for ZIP 98813 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1140, which is notably higher than the current market rent of $789. This discrepancy means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can secure a rental income that exceeds the local market rate, providing a steady and reliable source of cash flow. The difference of $351 per month between the FMR and the market rent translates into a substantial annual increase in revenue, making it an attractive option for those seeking consistent returns.
Furthermore, the median home value in ZIP 98813 stands at $233,861. This figure suggests that while property values may not be exceptionally high, they also do not indicate rapid appreciation potential. Given the lack of data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM), it is reasonable to conclude that ZIP 98813 is not a prime location for capital gains through property appreciation.
While the ZIP code does have a significant renter share of 45.9%, indicating a diverse tenant pool, and a median income of $49,969, these factors alone do not outweigh the strong cash-flow potential offered by the Section 8 program in this area. The higher guaranteed rental income from the FMR compared to the local market rent makes ZIP 98813 an ideal choice for stabilizing and securing cash flow within a broader investment portfolio.
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.