Location: Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | Metro: Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $980 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,060 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,270 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,633 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,185 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,344 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 98852 is characterized by a relatively low percentage of renters at 8.7%, indicating that it is primarily a homeowner-dominated area rather than a renter-heavy market. This suggests that the demand for Section 8 vouchers in this area may be lower compared to areas with higher rental populations.
The median household income in this ZIP code stands at $47,750, which is crucial when considering the affordability of housing. However, specific market rent figures are not available for direct comparison with the median income. Instead, we can look at the Fair Market Rent (FMR), which for FY 2024 is set at $1450 for this ZIP code. This FMR represents the typical rent a landlord might receive through the Section 8 program.
To contextualize the impact of this rent on local incomes, let's consider the FMR. If the typical market rent aligns closely with the FMR, then we can estimate that it would consume a significant portion of the average household's income. Assuming a 30% rule for housing affordability, a household earning $47,750 annually would afford a monthly rent of approximately $1,194. Therefore, the FMR of $1450 exceeds this affordability threshold, suggesting that typical rents may consume more than 30% of the median income.
A landlord in ZIP 98852 should anticipate tenants who rely heavily on Section 8 vouchers due to the economic conditions of the area. These tenants will likely have a household income below the median, necessitating the use of vouchers to meet their housing needs. The voucher holders in this ZIP code will be individuals or families whose income does not stretch far enough to cover market rents without assistance.
Given the homeowner-dominated nature of the area, the competition for rental properties among voucher holders could be intense, driving up the demand for those units that do exist. Landlords should prepare for a tenant pool that requires careful screening to ensure compliance with voucher usage and a commitment to maintaining properties at the standard required by the Section 8 program.
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.