Location: Eastern Worcester County, MA | Metro: Eastern Worcester County, 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 | $1,800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,980 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,590 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,550 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,870 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,489 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,028 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,430 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,702 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,590 | $425,222 | 0.61% | D |
| 3BR | $3,550 | $507,992 | 0.7% | D |
| 4BR | $3,870 | $690,254 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 01747, Hopedale, Massachusetts, involve understanding both the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) and the local market rent conditions. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for FY 2024 is set at $2060, which is specifically tailored for this ZIP code. This means that the rate is determined based on the rental market conditions unique to 01747.
However, the local market rent as per the Census ACS data is $1,788. This lower figure represents the average rent charged for similar units in the same area without the influence of the Section 8 program. Landlords participating in Section 8 must understand that the reimbursement they receive will be capped at the SAFMR, but it also depends on the tenant's portion of the rent and any utility allowances.
The actual reimbursement a landlord receives under a Section 8 voucher program is calculated by taking into account the tenant's portion of the rent, which is typically 30% of their adjusted income, and the utility allowance, which covers certain costs related to utilities. If the tenant's portion plus the utility allowance does not meet the SAFMR, the landlord will receive a subsidy to make up the difference.
To illustrate, if a tenant's portion of the rent is $500 and the utility allowance is $100, the total reimbursement would be $600. Given the SAFMR of $2060, the landlord would receive a subsidy of $1460 to cover the remaining amount. This ensures that the landlord is paid the full SAFMR of $2060, even if the tenant can only afford a smaller share.
It's important to note that the SAFMR sets a ceiling on the rent that can be charged for a Section 8 unit. In Hopedale, where the local market rent is lower at $1,788, landlords may find that the SAFMR provides a surplus above what they would normally charge. This surplus is $272 per month, making the total SAFMR of $2060 a significant incentive for landlords to participate in the program.
In summary, the Section 8 economics in ZIP 01747 mean that landlords can charge up to $2060 for a two-bedroom apartment, with the government covering the difference between the tenant's payment and the SAFMR. This results in a surplus for landlords, who receive an additional $272 beyond the typical local market rent of $1,788.
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.