Location: Franklin County, MA | Metro: Franklin County, MA
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 | $1,490 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,640 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,550 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,810 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,260 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,651 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,943 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,140 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,140 | $427,668 | 0.5% | F |
| 3BR | $2,550 | $525,189 | 0.49% | F |
| 4BR | $2,810 | $629,945 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 01054, located in Leverett, MA, presents a dynamic rental market with specific characteristics that inform its overall trajectory. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $2,180 for the fiscal year 2024, which is notably higher than the reported market rent of $1,389 based on Census ACS data. This discrepancy suggests that there may be a segment of the market experiencing upward pressure on rents, possibly due to increased demand from tenants seeking affordable housing options.
The median home value in Leverett is $507,539, indicating a relatively stable housing market. However, the lack of data on price-cut share and days on market (DOM) means we cannot definitively conclude whether supply outpaces demand or vice versa. Instead, we must infer that the market is likely balanced, given the absence of significant price adjustments or prolonged periods of unsold inventory.
A key indicator of long-term housing pressure is the 12.8% renter share. This figure is relatively low compared to national averages, suggesting that homeownership is more prevalent in Leverett. A lower renter share can imply less immediate pressure on rental properties but also indicates a potential for future shifts if economic conditions change, leading to an increase in renters and thus potentially higher demand for rental units.
The gap between the FMR and market rent could also point to a stratified market where some segments of the rental stock are priced closer to the FMR, while others are below it. This stratification might reflect different qualities of housing, location-specific factors, or varying tenant preferences within the ZIP code. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider these dynamics when setting their own rental prices or evaluating the potential for new investments.
In summary, ZIP 01054 in Leverett, MA, is characterized by a stable median home value and a rental market with upward potential, especially for units priced near the FMR. The low renter share suggests a predominantly homeowner population, which could shift under changing economic circumstances. These factors combine to paint a picture of a market in motion, with opportunities and challenges that require careful consideration by those involved in the local real estate landscape.
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.