Location: Lowell, 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 | $2,280 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,350 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,810 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,690 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,280 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,794 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,178 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,437 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,810 | $581,263 | 0.48% | F |
| 3BR | $3,350 | $724,817 | 0.46% | F |
| 4BR | $3,690 | $989,754 | 0.37% | F |
| 5BR | $4,280 | $1,090,696 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 01460, Littleton, MA, is set at $2540 for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for a Section 8 rental unit in this area. It's important to note that this is not the rent you'll receive from your tenants; rather, it's the ceiling on the rent subsidy paid by the government.
In contrast, the average rent in Littleton, MA, according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS), stands at $2,016. This means that the FMR for Section 8 is slightly higher than the typical market rate, which could be beneficial for landlords who want to ensure they're receiving a competitive rate for their property.
The FMR being higher than the local average suggests there is a strong demand for affordable housing in Littleton, with 16.4% of residents renting. This indicates that nearly one in six people in the area rely on rental housing, making it a viable market for Section 8 properties. Landlords can leverage this demand to fill vacancies more quickly, especially if they offer well-maintained units that meet the necessary standards.
When acquiring a new rental property in Littleton, the median home value is around $780,015. This high acquisition cost underscores the importance of understanding the financial implications of Section 8 participation. While the upfront investment might be significant, the steady income provided by the government-backed program can help offset the costs over time.
Before deciding to participate in the Section 8 program, verify that your property meets all the required maintenance and safety standards. The Housing Quality Standards (HQS) set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must be met for your unit to be eligible for the program. This ensures that you will not face unexpected repairs or disqualification from the program.
Participating in Section 8 can be a strategic choice for landlords looking to enter the affordable housing market in Littleton, MA. With a clear understanding of the payment standard and the local rental landscape, you can make an informed decision about whether this program aligns with your investment goals.
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.