Location: Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | Metro: Amherst Town-Northampton, MA 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 | $1,250 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,430 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,830 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,170 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,424 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,595 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,810 | $359,436 | 0.5% | F |
| 3BR | $2,260 | $465,547 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 01012, located in Chesterfield, MA within the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA, presents a unique profile when compared to typical ZIP codes in this metro area. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1440 for fiscal year 2024, it significantly exceeds the market rent figure of $996, indicating that this area is receiving higher subsidies for rental units under the Section 8 program.
The median home value in ZIP 01012 is $396,104, which suggests a middle-ground position relative to other ZIP codes within the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA. This value is neither exceptionally low nor high, placing it firmly within the realm of a mid-tier neighborhood. The renter share at 17.8% is also indicative of a balanced community, where a significant but not overwhelming portion of residents are renters.
A comparison between the FMR and market rent reveals a notable disparity. The FMR is $444 more per month than the average market rent, suggesting that properties in ZIP 01012 might be more attractive to tenants participating in the Section 8 program due to the higher subsidy levels. This could imply a strategic advantage for landlords who can leverage these higher subsidy rates to secure tenants.
The combination of a relatively moderate renter share with a median home value that aligns well with the metro's average suggests that ZIP 01012 is not necessarily a premium sub-market, but rather a value pocket within the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider the higher FMR as an opportunity to offset potential lower market rents and maintain profitability.
Investors looking to enter the Chesterfield, MA market should be aware that while the higher FMR provides a financial buffer, the overall median home value and renter share indicate a neighborhood that is accessible to a broad range of income levels. This balance makes 01012 a potentially stable and rewarding investment within the broader context of the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.