Location: Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA | Metro: Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH 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 | $2,160 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,230 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,660 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,180 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,072 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,561 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,926 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,172 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,660 | $434,232 | 0.61% | D |
| 3BR | $3,180 | $516,724 | 0.62% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 01718, located in Acton, MA, is not predominantly a renter-heavy area. With a population of 404 and only 5.9% of residents being renters, it's clear that homeownership dominates the housing landscape. This means that the demand for Section 8 vouchers is likely to be shallow compared to areas with higher percentages of renters.
The median household income in Acton stands at $104,167, which places it in a relatively high-income bracket. However, due to the lack of specific market rent data for ZIP 01718, we cannot provide an exact percentage of how much of the local income goes towards typical rent. Nonetheless, comparing to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $2520 for FY 2024, we can infer that rents in this area are likely to be competitive with this figure, given the high median income level.
A landlord in Acton, MA, should expect tenants who are financially stable and able to meet the higher end of rental costs, considering the FMR benchmark. These tenants would likely require assistance through Section 8 vouchers, which cover a portion of their rent based on their income. Given the low percentage of renters, those who do seek housing in this area are often looking for quiet, family-oriented neighborhoods, which Acton provides in abundance.
In summary, while Acton offers a desirable living environment for tenants, the limited number of renters suggests that landlords will encounter fewer potential Section 8 applicants. The tenants who do apply are likely to be responsible individuals seeking affordable housing options in a community with high standards of living.
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.