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 | $2,170 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,810 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,520 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,010 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,652 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,210 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,627 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,908 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,810 | $436,457 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $3,520 | $604,595 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $4,010 | $862,198 | 0.47% | F |
| 5BR | $4,652 | $979,624 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
2210 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 01519, Grafton, MA, set by HUD for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount a landlord can charge for a Section 8 voucher in the area. In contrast, the Census Bureau's American Community Survey reports a market rent of 1829 dollars, indicating that the subsidized rate is higher than the average rental price in the area. The median home value in Grafton stands at 677,751 dollars, reflecting a relatively affluent community where homeownership is more prevalent than renting. However, with a 22.3 percent renter share, there remains a significant portion of the population relying on rental housing. The median income of 178,263 dollars suggests that residents have a strong financial foundation, which could support higher rents and property values. Despite the lack of specific data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of listings that have had their prices cut, the existing figures provide a comprehensive view of the local real estate market. Given the higher FMR compared to the market rent, landlords in Grafton can benefit from participating in the Section 8 program. The verdict for Section 8 participation in Grafton, MA, is positive, offering a reliable source of tenants and steady rental income.
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.