Location: Eastern Worcester County, MA | Metro: Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $2,130 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,230 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,650 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,180 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,072 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,561 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,926 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,172 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,650 | $644,157 | 0.41% | F |
| 3BR | $3,180 | $842,582 | 0.38% | F |
| 4BR | $3,510 | $1,068,464 | 0.33% | F |
| 5BR | $4,072 | $1,371,945 | 0.3% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 01451, located in Harvard, MA, within the Eastern Worcester County, MA HUD Metro FMR Area, serves as a cash-flow anchor for any Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 01451 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $2380. This figure represents the maximum rental assistance payment standard that landlords can receive for units in this area.
The market rent for similar properties in ZIP 01451 is significantly lower, at $1,250 per month, which means landlords can secure a positive cash flow by participating in the Section 8 program. With a median home value of $908,925, it's evident that the area has a high cost of living, but the rental market remains more affordable. Therefore, the difference between the FMR and the actual market rent provides a substantial cushion for landlords, ensuring steady and reliable income.
While ZIP 01451 does not present an immediate opportunity for appreciation due to the lack of data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM), it excels as a stable component of a diversified investment portfolio. The area boasts a 9.1% renter share, indicating that while it isn't heavily reliant on renters, there is still a significant demand for rental properties. Additionally, the median income of $214,792 suggests that residents have the financial stability to support higher rents, further underpinning the reliability of this ZIP code as a cash-flow anchor.
In conclusion, ZIP 01451 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. Landlords will benefit from the guaranteed income provided by the government, with a favorable spread between the FMR and market rent, ensuring profitability even in a high-cost area. This makes it an ideal choice for investors seeking consistent returns and financial security.
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.