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: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,440 | $207,723 | 0.69% | D |
| 2BR | $1,860 | $340,657 | 0.55% | F |
| 3BR | $2,300 | $548,789 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $2,550 | $628,941 | 0.41% | F |
| 5BR | $2,958 | $685,233 | 0.43% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The yield for ZIP 01543 is relatively high compared to the market average. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,500, which is significantly higher than the market rent of $1,078. This means that landlords participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program can expect to receive a higher rental income than what the local market offers. Additionally, the median home value in the area is $529,020, indicating that the property values are stable and likely to provide a good investment return over time.
Regarding stability, the data shows that only 10.6% of residents are renters, suggesting a lower demand for rental properties. The lack of data on days on market (DOM) indicates that there might not be a significant turnover in rental properties, which could affect the ability to quickly re-let a property if needed. However, the median household income in the area is $145,707, which is quite robust and suggests that tenants who do rent are likely to have the financial stability to pay their rent on time and maintain the property.
To summarize, ZIP 01543 presents a market that leans towards providing steady cash flow rather than being a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market. The higher FMR compared to market rent supports a solid income stream for landlords involved in the Section 8 program, while the relatively low percentage of renters and strong median income indicate a stable but potentially less dynamic rental environment.
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.