Location: Franklin 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 | $2,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,830 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,170 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,424 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,595 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,810 | $380,496 | 0.48% | F |
| 3BR | $2,260 | $453,291 | 0.5% | F |
| 4BR | $2,440 | $545,200 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 01330, Ashfield, MA, is set at $1160 for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can receive through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. It's important to note that this is not the actual rent you would charge your tenant; it's the reimbursement limit from the government.
To put this into context, the average rent for properties in Ashfield, MA, based on recent Census American Community Survey (ACS) data, is $1,093. This suggests that the FMR is slightly above the local average, which could be beneficial if you're looking to cover costs or maintain a competitive rate.
The FMR of $1160 indicates a strong demand for affordable housing in the area. With 14.7% of the population being renters, there is a consistent pool of potential tenants who might qualify for the Section 8 program. This percentage also implies that while the demand exists, it's not overwhelming, ensuring a balanced market where both landlords and tenants can find suitable arrangements.
If you're considering purchasing a property to use as a Section 8 rental, the median home value in Ashfield is around $417,392. This is the typical price range for acquiring a property in the area. Given the FMR, you should ensure that your monthly expenses, including mortgage payments, maintenance, and utilities, do not exceed $1160 per unit.
A crucial step before committing to a Section 8 rental is to verify that the property meets all the necessary housing quality standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the property is safe, decent, and sanitary. A thorough inspection and any required repairs must be completed before the property can be approved for the program.
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.