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 | $1,290 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,410 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,850 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,819 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,410 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,581 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,200 | $340,846 | 0.65% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math for ZIP 01349, located in Franklin County, Massachusetts, does not work favorably for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,460 for fiscal year 2024 is higher than the current market rent of $1,230 based on Census ACS data. This discrepancy means that landlords might struggle to find tenants willing to pay the higher FMR, leading to potential vacancies.
Acquisition in ZIP 01349 is somewhat affordable, with a median home value of $325,438. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have been discounted indicates an incomplete picture of the local real estate market dynamics. Without these figures, it's challenging to assess the true affordability of acquiring properties in this area.
Tenant demand in ZIP 01349 is modest. With a total population of 741, only 19.8% of residents are renters. This suggests a limited pool of potential tenants, which could make it difficult for landlords to fill units and maintain occupancy rates.
In summary, while the median home value presents a reasonable entry point for acquisition, the mismatch between FMR and market rent, combined with the low renter share, poses significant challenges for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The limited tenant demand and lack of comprehensive market data further complicate the investment decision-making process. Therefore, ZIP 01349 is not a strong candidate for Section 8 real estate investments.
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.