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: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,810 | $277,754 | 0.65% | D |
| 3BR | $2,260 | $403,787 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 01270, located in Windsor, Massachusetts, is not heavily populated with renters. With a total population of 1,036, only 3.9% of residents are renters, indicating a predominantly homeowner-dominated area. This low percentage of renters suggests that the demand for rental properties using Section 8 vouchers will be relatively limited.
The median household income in this ZIP code is strong at $116,375, which places it well above the national average. However, the absence of specific market rent data makes it impossible to calculate the exact percentage of income that goes towards rent. Nonetheless, given the high median income, we can infer that the typical rent would likely consume a smaller portion of the local income compared to areas with lower incomes.
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 01270 is set at $1,330 for fiscal year 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This figure represents the maximum amount that a Section 8 voucher holder could pay in rent, assuming they contribute 30% of their income towards housing costs. In Windsor, landlords can expect tenants with Section 8 vouchers to have an income level that allows them to afford rents up to $1,330 per month, but the actual number of such tenants seeking housing may be low due to the limited rental market presence.
A landlord in ZIP 01270 should anticipate a tenant pool that is less reliant on Section 8 vouchers. The majority of potential renters are likely to be individuals or families who can afford market rates without government assistance. Given the high median income and the low percentage of renters, landlords might find that their properties are more attractive to tenants who do not require rental subsidies.
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.