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 | $1,160 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,280 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,587 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,129 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,285 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,680 | $324,177 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $2,020 | $385,055 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $2,230 | $411,977 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors targeting ZIP code 01339, which encompasses Hawley, MA, reveals a favorable environment for rental properties. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $1250, while the Census American Community Survey (ACS) indicates a market rent of $1,173. This means that voucher tenants will generally cashflow at the FMR rate, providing a buffer of approximately $77 per month over the average market rent.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in ZIP 01339, which stands at $339,326. Using this figure, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio, an important metric for assessing the attractiveness of rental investments relative to buying. With a monthly rent of $1,173, the annual rent is $14,076, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of roughly 4.1%. This ratio suggests that the rental income generated is modest compared to the value of owning a property outright, but it remains competitive within the local market context.
In terms of the dynamics between renting and buying, the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have experienced price cuts are not applicable (N/A) for this area. However, these metrics typically play a role in understanding how quickly properties sell and whether there's pressure to reduce asking prices, both of which can impact the decision-making process for investors.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 01339 is likely cashflow. Given the discrepancy between the HUD FMR and the market rent, landlords can expect a positive cashflow from voucher tenants, making it an attractive option for those looking to generate steady income through their investments.
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.