Location: Western Worcester County, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,860 | $352,402 | 0.53% | F |
| 3BR | $2,300 | $437,496 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $2,550 | $502,896 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 01585, Warren, MA, is set at $1480 for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the payment standard for landlords participating in the Section 8 program, which means it's the maximum amount the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay on behalf of eligible tenants. However, this does not dictate the actual rent you can charge; rather, it sets a cap on the subsidy portion.
To put this into perspective, the average rent for Warren, MA, based on Census ACS data, is $1,076. This indicates that the FMR is significantly higher than the typical market rate, providing a potential opportunity for landlords to receive a higher subsidy than they might otherwise expect.
In Warren, MA, approximately 20.8% of residents are renters. This suggests a moderate demand for rental properties among those who may qualify for the Section 8 program. Given the subsidy structure, landlords can attract a steady stream of tenants who have their rent partially covered, ensuring reliable income.
If you're considering purchasing a property to use as a Section 8 rental, the median home value in Warren, MA, stands at $408,816. This figure should be taken into account when assessing your investment, as it provides insight into the initial cost of acquiring a property suitable for this purpose.
Before proceeding with a Section 8 rental, it is crucial to verify that the property meets all necessary inspection criteria. The Housing Authority will conduct an inspection to ensure the property is up to code and livable standards. Failure to meet these requirements can result in disqualification from the program.
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.