Location: Berkshire 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 | $1,250 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,430 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,004 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,364 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,633 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,815 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,430 | $236,387 | 0.6% | D |
| 2BR | $1,810 | $305,243 | 0.59% | F |
| 3BR | $2,260 | $388,246 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $2,590 | $502,520 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 01235, located in Hinsdale, MA, is home to a population of 2,489 residents. With only 16.4% of the population being renters, it is evident that this area is primarily dominated by homeowners rather than renters. The median household income stands at $79,327, which provides a benchmark for assessing the financial capacity of potential tenants.
The average market rent in this ZIP code is $1,113, representing approximately 14.02% of the median household income. This figure suggests that typical rent consumes a significant portion of the local income but remains within a manageable range for most households. In comparison to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1300 for FY 2024, the current market rent is lower, indicating a slight affordability gap for those relying on housing vouchers.
Given the low percentage of renters, it can be inferred that there is limited demand for housing vouchers in this area. Landlords in ZIP 01235 should expect tenants who are likely to have stable employment and may not heavily rely on government assistance for housing. These tenants are expected to have a solid understanding of their financial obligations and a willingness to pay slightly above the market rate if necessary to secure housing.
To summarize, ZIP 01235 is not a renter-heavy area with deep voucher demand. Instead, it is an area where homeownership is prevalent, and landlords will likely encounter tenants who are financially capable and seek quality living conditions without extensive reliance on subsidies.
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.