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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,230 | $246,004 | 0.91% | C |
| 2BR | $2,660 | $436,512 | 0.61% | D |
| 3BR | $3,180 | $816,131 | 0.39% | F |
| 4BR | $3,510 | $1,087,458 | 0.32% | F |
| 5BR | $4,072 | $1,225,943 | 0.33% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
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). 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.