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 | $1,640 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,350 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,080 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,200 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,712 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,490 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,715 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,840 | $266,393 | 0.69% | D |
| 2BR | $2,350 | $372,323 | 0.63% | D |
| 3BR | $3,080 | $601,411 | 0.51% | F |
| 4BR | $3,200 | $786,245 | 0.41% | F |
| 5BR | $3,712 | $1,062,443 | 0.35% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 01060, Northampton, Massachusetts, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1760. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge a tenant participating in the Section 8 housing choice voucher program. It's important to note that this is not the actual rent you will receive; it is the payment standard used by the government to determine the subsidy amount.
To put this into perspective, the Zillow Observed Rental Index (ZORI), which reflects the average rent charged in the area, stands at $2,351. This means that if you're considering a Section 8 rental property in Northampton, your income from the voucher program will be significantly lower than the market rate. However, the demand for rentals in this area is robust, with 54.7% of residents being renters. This high percentage indicates a strong market for rental properties, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers.
When acquiring a property for Section 8, you should consider the initial investment. The median home value in Northampton is around $498,154. This figure gives you an idea of the typical cost to purchase a property in the area. Given the lower rent income from Section 8 compared to market rates, it's crucial to ensure that the property is well-managed and maintained to keep costs low and maximize returns.
Before deciding to take on a Section 8 rental property, verify that the property meets all HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) requirements for safety, health, and structural soundness. This is critical because failing to meet these standards could result in penalties or loss of tenancy, which would affect your ability to receive the full subsidy payment.
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.