Location: Western Worcester 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 | $1,430 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,440 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,860 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,958 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,313 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,578 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,757 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,860 | $322,881 | 0.58% | F |
| 3BR | $2,300 | $374,074 | 0.61% | D |
| 4BR | $2,550 | $388,562 | 0.66% | D |
| 5BR | $2,958 | $392,206 | 0.75% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 01082, located in Ware, MA, presents a viable opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in Section 8 tenants. With a population of 10,392, this area has a significant 27.3% of residents who are renters, indicating a substantial demand for rental housing. The median household income stands at $69,018, which provides a benchmark against which rental prices can be evaluated.
The market rent in this area is $1,032 per month, representing approximately 14.95% of the median household income. This percentage suggests that the average renter can comfortably afford the typical market rent without excessive strain on their finances. However, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD for this ZIP code is $1,260, which is notably higher than the current market rent. This discrepancy indicates that there could be a deeper pool of Section 8 voucher holders looking for affordable housing options, as the FMR reflects the upper limit for housing assistance.
The fact that the FMR exceeds the market rent by over $200 per month signals a potential for landlords to receive a subsidy that covers a significant portion of the rent. This makes it attractive for landlords to participate in the Section 8 program, as they can still charge a competitive rate while receiving additional financial support.
A landlord in ZIP 01082 should anticipate a tenant pool that includes individuals and families relying on Section 8 vouchers. These tenants will likely have an income below the median, but sufficient to cover their share of the rent. Given the relatively high FMR compared to the actual market rent, these tenants should find it easier to secure housing within their budget. The mix of renters and voucher holders creates a diverse tenant base, ensuring steady demand for rental properties.
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.