Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 01720 - 2027

Location: Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA | Metro: Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

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

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

23,526

Median Household Income

$159,010

Housing Units

9,264

Renter Percentage

25.8%

Occupancy Rate

98.2%

Renter Occupied

2,345

Housing Authorities Serving ZIP 01720

Cambridge Housing Authority (Cambridge, MA) - 7,597 Section 8 vouchers
Lowell Housing Authority (Lowell, MA) - 1,405 Section 8 vouchers
Somerville Housing Authority (Somerville, MA) - 1,358 Section 8 vouchers
Medford Housing Authority (Medford, MA) - 1,194 Section 8 vouchers
Framingham Housing Authority (Framingham, MA) - 1,065 Section 8 vouchers
Malden Housing Authority (Malden, MA) - 983 Section 8 vouchers
Chelmsford Housing Authority (Chelmsford, MA) - 891 Section 8 vouchers
Waltham Housing Authority (Waltham, MA) - 455 Section 8 vouchers
Newton Housing Authority (Newton Highlands, MA) - 446 Section 8 vouchers
Arlington Housing Authority (Arlington, MA) - 427 Section 8 vouchers

ZIP code 01720, located in Acton, MA, falls within the broader Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. Comparatively, its Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $2,520 for fiscal year 2024 aligns closely with the typical FMRs found in this metro area. The market rent of $2,568 also mirrors the average rental costs, suggesting that the area is neither undervalued nor overpriced relative to its peers.

The median home value in ZIP 01720 stands at $885,902. This figure is notably higher than many other ZIP codes within the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area, indicating that it leans towards being a premium sub-market. Premium markets typically feature higher property values, reflecting both the desirability of the location and the overall economic conditions of the area.

With a renter share of 25.8%, Acton has a slightly above-average proportion of renters compared to the typical ZIP codes in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. However, this percentage alone does not necessarily signal a Section 8 sweet spot. For a ZIP code to be considered attractive for Section 8 properties, it would need a higher renter share coupled with lower-than-average home values, which is not the case here.

In summary, ZIP 01720 represents a premium sub-market within the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area, characterized by relatively high home values and a modestly above-average renter population. While it offers competitive rental rates, the combination of high property values and moderate renter share suggests it is less likely to be a prime location for Section 8 investments compared to areas with lower home values and higher renter shares.

Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.