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 | $373,162 | 0.45% | F |
| 3BR | $2,020 | $422,934 | 0.48% | F |
| 4BR | $2,230 | $495,346 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 01370, Shelburne, Massachusetts, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,300. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 program. It's important to note that this is not necessarily the rent you will receive; it's the benchmark used to determine the allowable rent subsidy for tenants.
In comparison, the average rent for the area, according to Census ACS data, is $1,073. This suggests that the Section 8 payment standard is higher than the typical market rate, which could be beneficial for landlords looking to cover operating costs and maintenance expenses.
The rental share in Shelburne is 30.1%, indicating that a significant portion of the population relies on renting their homes. This percentage points to a steady demand for rental properties, especially those participating in the Section 8 program. The high demand combined with the FMR being above the local average makes Section 8 rentals a potentially attractive option for landlords.
If you're considering purchasing a property in Shelburne to use as a Section 8 rental, the median home value is around $410,785. This is the price range you should expect when acquiring a property suitable for the program. While the initial investment might seem substantial, the long-term stability of Section 8 payments can offset the risk and provide a reliable income stream.
Before proceeding, it's crucial to verify that the property meets all the necessary requirements for participation in the Section 8 program. These include ensuring the property complies with Housing Quality Standards (HQS), which are set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ensure safe and decent living conditions for tenants.
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.