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 | $2,130 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,230 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,650 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,230 | $196,969 | 1.13% | B |
| 2BR | $2,650 | $296,963 | 0.89% | C |
| 3BR | $3,180 | $820,157 | 0.39% | F |
| 4BR | $3,510 | $1,088,697 | 0.32% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 01719, Boxboro, MA, is set at $2,380 per month for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for a Section 8 rental unit in this area. It's important to note that this is the payment standard, meaning it's the cap on what the government will reimburse for rent, not necessarily the amount you'll receive from tenants.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in Boxboro, MA, based on recent Census American Community Survey (ACS) data, is around $1,887. This indicates that the FMR for Section 8 is higher than the typical market rate, which could be beneficial for landlords who want to ensure they receive a competitive monthly income.
About 26.6% of residents in Boxboro are renters. This suggests there is a moderate demand for rental properties, particularly those affordable under the Section 8 program. However, it's crucial to understand that the number of eligible renters may not match the total number of renters in the area, so demand could vary.
The median home value in Boxboro is approximately $763,989. This high price point can make acquiring a rental property costly. If you're considering purchasing a home for your first Section 8 rental, ensure that the property meets the housing quality standards required by the program. These standards are designed to ensure that the homes are safe and habitable, and failing to meet them can result in reduced payments or even eviction of tenants.
Before you decide to take the plunge into Section 8 rentals, verify that the property you wish to purchase meets all the necessary criteria. This includes ensuring that the home is up to code, has proper heating, hot water, and other essential amenities, and that it passes regular inspections. Once these conditions are satisfied, you can confidently move forward knowing your investment will be protected and you'll be providing a valuable service to the community.
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.