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 | $1,700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,440 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,910 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,210 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,724 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,171 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,505 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,730 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,910 | $481,496 | 0.6% | D |
| 4BR | $3,210 | $596,702 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment risk assessment for ZIP code 01342 in Georgia, particularly for Section 8 landlords, highlights several critical concerns. Tenant turnover is a significant issue, with the market rent at $1,698 being notably higher than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,460 for FY 2024. This discrepancy suggests that tenants who qualify for Section 8 vouchers might struggle to find housing outside the program, leading to frequent moves as they seek better financial stability or housing conditions.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, although data on days on market (DOM) is currently unavailable. In areas where the cost of living is high relative to income, such as ZIP 01342, landlords can expect periods of vacancy as they wait for eligible tenants. The typical home value of $450,578 contrasts sharply with the median income of $109,205, indicating that many residents face affordability challenges. This economic pressure can lead to deferred maintenance issues, as tenants may have limited funds for repairs beyond basic necessities.
Despite these risks, the high renter share of 29.8% in ZIP 01342 offers a silver lining. A large proportion of renters typically translates into robust demand for rental properties, including those participating in the Section 8 program. The scarcity of affordable housing options means that voucher holders are likely to be eager to secure a place to live, potentially mitigating some of the risks associated with vacancy and turnover.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.