Location: Kittitas County, WA | Metro: Kittitas 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 | $1,350 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,500 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,730 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,300 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,828 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,287 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,630 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,862 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,970 | $558,807 | 0.35% | F |
| 3BR | $2,730 | $707,275 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 98925, located in Easton, WA, presents a market in motion characterized by the interplay between federal guidelines and local rental realities. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $2,180 for the fiscal year 2026 reflects the government's benchmark for affordability in the metro area. In contrast, the actual market rent stands at $2,542, as reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS). This discrepancy suggests that local rental rates are higher than the federal guideline, indicating a market where demand may be outpacing supply.
The median home value in the area is $470,983, which places homeownership beyond the reach of many renters due to the high cost of entry into the housing market. The fact that the percentage of homes listed with a price cut and the days on market (DOM) are not available points to a stable market with little need for significant price adjustments to attract buyers, further supporting the notion that demand is robust.
A key indicator of long-term housing pressure is the 14.9% renter share. While this figure is relatively low, it underscores a persistent need for rental properties in the area. This dynamic can create ongoing pressure on rental prices, as the limited number of renters may struggle to find affordable options, especially if they are priced out of the homeownership market. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider this trend when evaluating the potential for steady rental income in the area.
In summary, the dynamics of ZIP 98925 suggest a market where demand is strong enough to push rental prices above federal guidelines, despite the median home value being quite high. The low but persistent renter share indicates a continuous need for rental units, which could translate into a resilient rental market for property owners.
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.