Location: Berkshire County, MA | Metro: Pittsfield, MA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,560 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,580 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,820 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,002 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,482 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,841 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,083 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 01236, located in Florida, has a population of 1,458 residents, with 19.6% identified as renters. The median household income in this ZIP is $111,250. Given the relatively low percentage of renters, it suggests that this area is primarily dominated by homeowners rather than being a renter-heavy ZIP with deep voucher demand.
The absence of specific market rent data makes it challenging to determine exactly how much of the local income goes towards typical rent payments. However, we can compare the median household income to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) which stands at $1,660 for FY 2024 in this ZIP code. Assuming a two-person household, the FMR represents the upper limit for rent subsidies under the Section 8 program. To contextualize this, let's use the median income to estimate the impact on potential tenants.
If a household earns the median income of $111,250, their monthly income would be approximately $9,270. Based on the FMR of $1,660, this represents roughly 18% of the monthly income. While this percentage seems reasonable, it is important to note that many Section 8 households earn significantly less than the median income, meaning rent could consume a larger portion of their budget.
A landlord in ZIP 01236 should expect a tenant profile that includes individuals or families who rely on housing vouchers to afford living in a higher-income area. These tenants will likely have an income below the area median, but the exact figure is not provided. The scarcity of voucher holders in a predominantly homeowner ZIP means competition for these tenants could be fierce, especially among properties that accept Section 8 vouchers.
To attract and retain Section 8 tenants, landlords must ensure compliance with HUD standards and be prepared to navigate the administrative requirements associated with the program. Despite the challenges, the opportunity to provide affordable housing options in a potentially lucrative rental market exists, particularly if landlords can offer quality units that meet the needs of lower-income families seeking stability in a high-cost area.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.