Location: Berkshire County, MA | Metro: Berkshire County, MA (part) 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 | $1,270 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,360 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,800 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,248 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,638 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,929 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,125 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,340 | $547,677 | 0.43% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 01259 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1650. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing assistance in your area, meaning that if you participate in the program, the government will pay up to $1650 per month for a qualifying unit. It's important to note that this is not the amount you can charge for rent; it's the maximum amount the housing authority will reimburse you.
To put this into perspective, the local median rent for similar units is currently unavailable. However, given that renters make up 9.6% of the population in your area, there is a steady demand for affordable housing options. This percentage suggests that nearly one in ten residents are looking for rental properties, making Section 8 an attractive option for filling vacancies and ensuring stable income.
The median home value in ZIP 01259 is $583,836, which can be considered when evaluating the acquisition cost of a property for Section 8 investment. While this number reflects the typical price for homes in your area, remember that the FMR does not directly correlate with the purchase price of a property. Instead, it indicates the monthly rental subsidy you can expect.
Before deciding to enter the Section 8 market, it's crucial to verify that your property meets all the necessary requirements for the program. This includes ensuring the unit is safe, decent, and sanitary according to HUD standards. Additionally, check that the rent you charge does not exceed the FMR, and that any additional costs, such as utilities, are reasonable and within guidelines.
In summary, the $1650 FMR for ZIP 01259 in fiscal year 2024 sets the payment standard for Section 8 assistance. With a 9.6% renter share, there is a consistent demand for affordable rentals, and a median home value of $583,836 gives insight into the potential acquisition costs. To proceed, ensure your property complies with HUD's quality standards and that the rent is within the specified limits.
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.