Location: Franklin County, MA | Metro: Franklin County, MA
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 | $1,390 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,520 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,620 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,039 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,404 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,676 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,860 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,990 | $332,530 | 0.6% | F |
| 3BR | $2,370 | $405,200 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $2,620 | $467,758 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 01337, encompassing Bernardston, MA, presents an interesting scenario when viewed from the perspective of renters. The median household income here stands at $85,045, which places a significant constraint on rental affordability. At the current market rate of $1,333 per month (as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey), a household would need to allocate nearly 16% of their annual income towards rent alone.
To put this into context, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) standard for ZIP 01337 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,420. This means that even the market rate falls slightly below the FMR, indicating a potential challenge for households trying to secure housing without financial assistance. However, it also suggests that landlords could potentially receive higher payments through Section 8 vouchers compared to the typical market rate.
With only 19.3% of the 2,589 population being renters, competition among landlords is relatively low. This small rental pool might imply that there is less pressure to lower rents to attract tenants, but it also means that a significant portion of potential renters could be financially strained by the existing market rates. For landlords, this translates to a market where offering units that qualify for Section 8 vouchers could be a strategic advantage, given the limited number of affordable options available to renters.
The affordability gap in Bernardston is clear: the median income is not sufficient to comfortably cover the market rate rent, let alone the FMR. Landlords should consider that while they might receive slightly higher payments from voucher holders ($1,420 compared to $1,333), the overall demand for affordable housing is high relative to the supply. This makes Section 8 vouchers a viable option for ensuring steady tenancy, especially since the typical renter has limited choices in the area.
In conclusion, landlords in ZIP 01337 should weigh the benefits of accepting Section 8 vouchers against the potential for cash-paying tenants. Given the tight rental market and the income constraints faced by many residents, participating in the voucher program can provide a stable income stream and help fill units that might otherwise remain vacant due to affordability issues.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.