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 | $2,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,640 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,062 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,429 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,703 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,888 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,860 | $457,550 | 0.41% | F |
| 3BR | $2,320 | $507,771 | 0.46% | F |
| 4BR | $2,640 | $689,960 | 0.38% | F |
| 5BR | $3,062 | $754,522 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 01583, which covers West Boylston, MA, in the Worcester County HUD Metro FMR Area for fiscal year 2024, is set at $1520. This figure represents the maximum amount landlords can charge for a Section 8 rental unit in this area. In comparison, the Census American Community Survey (ACS) reports the average market rent for the same region at $1,237. This means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect to cashflow positively, as the HUD FMR exceeds the typical market rent by approximately $283 per month.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $512,045. Using this figure, we can derive a rent-to-price ratio by comparing the HUD FMR to the median home value. The monthly rent of $1520 translates to an annual rent of $18,240, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of about 3.56%. This ratio suggests that rental income is relatively low compared to property values, but it still provides a positive cashflow scenario for Section 8 landlords.
Note that the median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that required a price cut are not available for this area. However, these metrics would be relevant if analyzing the broader rent-versus-buy dynamics. Given the data at hand, the strongest angle for investors in this market is cashflow. Landlords can benefit from the higher allowable rents under the Section 8 program compared to the actual market rates, ensuring a steady and reliable income stream without the need for premium units.
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.