Location: Worcester, MA | Metro: Worcester, MA 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 | $1,430 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,440 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,860 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,958 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,313 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,578 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,757 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,860 | $374,633 | 0.5% | F |
| 3BR | $2,300 | $445,989 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $2,550 | $528,075 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 01515, located in East Brookfield, MA, falls within the broader Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for 01515 is set at $1,480 for fiscal year 2024, which is higher than the average market rent of $1,142. This indicates that the area is slightly more expensive when it comes to rental housing standards compared to the overall market within the metro region.
The median home value in 01515 stands at $426,617, which is relatively close to the median home values seen across other ZIP codes in the Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area. This suggests that 01515 is neither an exceptionally affordable nor a premium sub-market in terms of property values.
However, the renter share in 01515 is 16.7%, which is lower than the typical share of renters in many urban areas of the Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area. This lower percentage of renters combined with a slightly higher FMR and a median home value that aligns closely with the broader metro area points towards a more stable, owner-occupied community rather than a bustling rental market.
Despite the lower renter share, the fact that the FMR is higher than the market rent can be indicative of a potential value pocket for Section 8 tenants. Landlords in 01515 may find opportunities to offer rentals at or near the FMR level, thereby attracting Section 8 participants who might otherwise struggle to find suitable housing within their budget constraints in more densely populated parts of the metro area.
In summary, while 01515 is not a premium sub-market in terms of property values, it does present some characteristics of a value pocket for Section 8 tenants due to its higher FMR relative to market rents and a lower proportion of renters compared to the average ZIP code in the Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area.
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.