Location: Springfield, MA | Metro: Pittsfield, MA HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,570 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,590 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,840 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,037 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,521 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,883 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,127 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,590 | $177,233 | 0.9% | C |
| 2BR | $2,080 | $284,664 | 0.73% | D |
| 3BR | $2,840 | $449,731 | 0.63% | D |
| 4BR | $3,480 | $558,255 | 0.62% | D |
| 5BR | $4,037 | $625,910 | 0.64% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Becket, Massachusetts, located in ZIP code 01223, is a small rural town with a total population of 2,495 residents. Only 3.1% of the residents are renters, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied community. The median household income in this area stands at $86,818, reflecting a relatively affluent demographic. The median home value in Becket is $393,005, which further supports the notion of a high-end residential market.
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 01223 for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,970. This figure is notably lower than the market rent reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), which is $2,036. This slight difference suggests that the rental market is closely aligned with the government's assessment of fair housing values, though it slightly favors market rates.
Given the low percentage of renters and the high median income levels, Becket is likely to be a challenging environment for hands-off Section 8 voucher operators. The demand for subsidized housing is minimal due to the limited number of renters and the overall economic prosperity of the area. However, for hands-on investors looking to add value through property improvements or converting homes into rentals, Becket offers potential opportunities. Despite the small rental market, the discrepancy between FMR and market rent indicates that there could be room for modest profit margins if properties are managed efficiently and maintained to a high standard.
To summarize, Becket, MA, is not an ideal location for passive Section 8 investments. Instead, it is better suited for active investors who can capitalize on the town's characteristics by targeting the niche rental market with well-maintained and improved properties.
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.