Location: Berkshire County, 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 | $1,480 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,510 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,900 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,010 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,492 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,911 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,224 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,435 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,900 | $442,733 | 0.43% | F |
| 3BR | $2,490 | $616,448 | 0.4% | F |
| 4BR | $3,010 | $848,996 | 0.35% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
2100 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 01254 in Richmond, MA, for fiscal year 2024, indicating the maximum amount a Section 8 participant can pay for housing. However, the actual market rent, according to the Census ACS, is $1,104, suggesting that landlords could potentially charge up to $2100 under the Section 8 program, capturing a significant premium over current market rates. The median home value in the area stands at $614,105, reflecting a high-value residential market where rental properties can command substantial prices. Only 3.4% of the population in ZIP 01254 are renters, which means that the demand for rental units might be lower compared to owner-occupied homes. The median income in the area is $125,893, providing insight into the financial stability of potential tenants. Unfortunately, the days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price-cut shares are not available, making it challenging to assess the speed of property sales and the frequency of price reductions in the area. Despite these limitations, the gap between the FMR and the actual market rent presents an opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors to leverage Section 8 vouchers effectively. The high median home value also suggests that the real estate market is robust, and rental properties can benefit from this economic strength. In conclusion, the Section 8 program in ZIP 01254 offers a viable option for landlords seeking stable long-term tenants, with the potential to earn above-market rents.
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.