Location: Eastern Worcester County, MA | Metro: Worcester, 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 | $2,370 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,600 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,400 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,660 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $5,080 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,893 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $6,600 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $7,128 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $7,484 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $3,400 | $682,835 | 0.5% | F |
| 3BR | $4,660 | $718,562 | 0.65% | D |
| 4BR | $5,080 | $1,171,259 | 0.43% | F |
| 5BR | $5,893 | $1,588,303 | 0.37% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 01772, located in Southborough, MA, falls within the Eastern Worcester County, MA HUD Metro FMR Area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 01772 is set at $2,550 for fiscal year 2024, which is slightly above the average market rent of $2,496. This indicates that the rental pricing in Southborough is marginally higher than what might be considered typical for the area.
The median home value in Southborough is $967,202, which is notably higher than most ZIP codes within the Eastern Worcester County, MA HUD Metro FMR Area. This suggests that Southborough is a premium sub-market, with housing costs significantly exceeding those in surrounding areas. Additionally, the 12.6% renter share in Southborough is indicative of a community where homeownership is more prevalent, contrasting with ZIP codes that have a higher percentage of renters.
Comparatively, a high renter share combined with lower home values often points to an area attractive for Section 8 tenants due to affordability. However, Southborough's high renter share coupled with premium home values does not fit this profile. Instead, it implies that while there is a notable rental market, the overall cost of living remains elevated, making it less likely to be a Section 8 sweet spot.
In summary, ZIP 01772 stands out as a premium sub-market within the Eastern Worcester County, MA HUD Metro FMR Area, characterized by higher-than-average rents and significantly higher home values. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider Southborough's positioning as a desirable but costly location, potentially offering higher returns on investment but also requiring careful consideration of the local rental market dynamics.
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.