Location: Western Worcester County, MA | Metro: Springfield, MA MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,100 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,250 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,920 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,320 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,691 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,255 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,418 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 01010, which includes Brimfield, MA, in Hampden County, can be quite favorable for landlords when understood correctly. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for FY 2024 is set at $1130. This figure is specific to this ZIP code, meaning it's tailored to reflect the local rental market conditions accurately.
In comparison, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit, according to the Census ACS, is $886. This discrepancy between the SAFMR and the actual market rent presents an opportunity for landlords. When a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher, the government will pay the difference between the tenant's portion and the SAFMR, up to the limit of $1130 per month.
To break it down further, the tenant's portion is generally 30% of their income. If we assume a tenant's monthly income is $2000, then their contribution would be $600. The remaining amount, $530 in this case, would be covered by the government under the Section 8 program. However, the total reimbursement can't exceed the SAFMR of $1130.
Additionally, Section 8 provides utility allowances. For a two-bedroom apartment, the utility allowance is typically around $200 per month. This allowance is also paid directly by the government, further reducing the financial burden on tenants and ensuring landlords receive a consistent income.
Therefore, in ZIP 01010, landlords can expect a reimbursement of $1130 for a two-bedroom apartment, assuming the tenant's portion plus the utility allowance does not exceed this amount. Given the local market rent is $886, landlords might find themselves with a surplus if they can secure a tenant with a higher income or if the utility allowance pushes the total reimbursement above the market rent.
In summary, the typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 01010 is a surplus of $244 per month, calculated as the difference between the SAFMR ($1130) and the local market rent ($886).
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.