Location: Grant County, WA | Metro: Grant 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 | $1,100 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,110 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,807 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,396 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,566 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,450 | $375,797 | 0.39% | F |
| 3BR | $1,970 | $471,150 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Mattawa, WA, located in Grant County, has a population of 8,143 residents, with 45.7% of them renting their homes. The median income in Mattawa is $61,333, and the median home value stands at $442,040. This ZIP code is notable for its relatively high rental rate compared to the national average, which signals a strong demand for rental properties in the area.
The voucher economics in Mattawa are favorable for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,310, while the current market rent, according to Census ACS data, is $1,243. This means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect a slightly higher rent payment from the government subsidy than the typical market rate, providing an additional incentive to accept vouchers.
Given the data, Mattawa's real estate market appears stable. The significant percentage of renters suggests a steady demand for affordable housing options. With the median income being lower than the national average but still sufficient to support the median home value, there is a balance between affordability and property values. The gap between the FMR and market rent also indicates that the local housing market is not experiencing rapid inflation, which could otherwise make it difficult for voucher holders to find suitable housing.
In conclusion, Mattawa, WA, offers a stable environment for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in the Section 8 program. The economic conditions support a healthy rental market, and the slight premium of FMR over market rent provides an attractive opportunity 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.