Location: Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, 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 | $2,760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,400 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,050 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,185 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,807 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $6,272 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,586 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $3,400 | $383,544 | 0.89% | C |
| 3BR | $4,050 | $532,561 | 0.76% | D |
| 4BR | $4,470 | $593,525 | 0.75% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
2760 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 01474 in Townsend, Massachusetts, as set for fiscal year 2024. This means that landlords can charge up to $2760 per month for a two-bedroom rental unit to be eligible under the Section 8 program. In comparison, the Census American Community Survey reports a market rent of $2,451 for similar units, indicating that Section 8 rates are slightly above the local average. The median home value in Townsend stands at $513,020, reflecting a relatively stable housing market where property values have held steady. Renter share in the area is 19.7%, suggesting a modest but present demand for rental properties. Median income in ZIP 01474 is $136,371, which is higher than the national average, potentially reducing the reliance on rental subsidies among residents. However, the specific data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut is not available, leaving gaps in assessing the immediate liquidity and pricing flexibility of the real estate market here.
The absence of precise DOM and price-cutting data makes it challenging to provide a detailed analysis of how quickly properties sell and whether there is pressure to reduce asking prices. Nevertheless, the alignment of the Section 8 FMR with local market conditions suggests that landlords participating in the program will find it financially viable. Given the higher median income levels, there is a possibility that fewer tenants will require the maximum subsidy, leading to more favorable lease terms for landlords. Despite the lack of complete data, the overall economic health and stability of Townsend, Massachusetts, support a positive outlook for both landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to engage with the Section 8 program.
Based on the available figures, landlords in ZIP 01474 should consider participating in the Section 8 program due to the reasonable subsidy rates and the area's economic strength.
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.