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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,810 | $362,321 | 0.5% | F |
| 3BR | $2,260 | $443,540 | 0.51% | F |
| 4BR | $2,440 | $505,041 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1110 for ZIP code 01098 (Worthington, MA) in fiscal year 2024, landlords can expect a significant gap between the actual market rent, which stands at $633 according to Census ACS data. This discrepancy highlights an opportunity for those participating in the Section 8 program, where tenants receive rental assistance up to the FMR limit. Given the median home value of $400,606, it's clear that Worthington is a desirable area, but the relatively low median income of $96,250 suggests that many residents might struggle to afford housing without assistance.
The renter share of 6.5% indicates that a majority of the population owns their homes, creating a competitive environment for landlords who wish to attract tenants. However, the lack of available data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price-cut shares does not provide insight into the current rental market dynamics or how frequently landlords need to reduce their asking rents to secure tenants. Despite this, the difference between the FMR and the market rent implies that landlords could potentially see higher occupancy rates if they align their rental prices with the Section 8 limits.
In conclusion, for landlords and small-portfolio investors in ZIP code 01098, the alignment of rental prices with the $1110 FMR presents a viable strategy to ensure stable tenancy and cash flow, especially considering the high median home values and lower median incomes. The Section 8 program offers a pathway to fill rental properties in a market where the average rent is significantly below the FMR. Verdict: Participating in Section 8 is advisable for securing long-term, stable tenancy in Worthington, MA.
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.