Location: Berkshire County, 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 | $2,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,004 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,364 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,633 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,815 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,810 | $354,976 | 0.51% | F |
| 3BR | $2,260 | $441,190 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 01026, which includes Cummington, Massachusetts, is set at $1300 for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 program. It's important to note that this is not the rent you'll receive; it's the benchmark used by the government to determine how much they will pay on behalf of eligible tenants.
In comparison, the average market rent in Cummington is around $825, according to recent Census data. This means that if you participate in Section 8, your rental income will be higher than the local average, but it also implies that the demand for such high-end rentals might be lower.
The renter share in Cummington stands at 12.4%, indicating that a little over one in ten households are renters. While this percentage is relatively low, it still represents a viable market for Section 8 rentals, especially given the higher payment standard.
If you're considering acquiring a property for a Section 8 rental, the median home value in Cummington is approximately $382,875. This figure should be taken into account when evaluating the potential return on investment, as it reflects the typical price range for properties in the area.
A critical step before proceeding with a Section 8 rental in Cummington is to ensure that the property meets the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards are set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and cover various aspects of the property, including safety, habitability, and structural integrity. Failure to meet these standards could result in disqualification from the program, so it's essential to verify compliance before making any financial commitments.
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.