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 | $2,500 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,580 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,670 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,050 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,698 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,262 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,683 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,967 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,580 | $348,890 | 0.74% | D |
| 2BR | $3,080 | $493,819 | 0.62% | D |
| 3BR | $3,670 | $819,203 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $4,050 | $1,023,914 | 0.4% | F |
| 5BR | $4,698 | $1,542,312 | 0.3% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
3180 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 01907, Swampscott, MA, as set for fiscal year 2024. This means that a landlord can charge up to $3180 per month for a unit to participate in the Section 8 program. In contrast, the actual market rent, known as ZORI, stands at $2,725, indicating that landlords participating in Section 8 could potentially earn an additional $455 per unit compared to the standard market rate. The median home value in the area is $818,953, reflecting a relatively high-value neighborhood where rental properties can command premium prices. With a renter share of 24.1%, it's clear that nearly one-quarter of the housing units are rented, showing a significant demand for rental properties. The median income in Swampscott is $134,386, suggesting that residents have the financial capacity to afford higher rents, which benefits landlords. The day DOM (days on market) figure is listed as N/A, implying either very quick turnover or that the data isn't available, but the price-cut share of just 0.1% indicates that few properties need to reduce their asking price to attract tenants, a sign of a strong rental market.
Given these figures, the verdict for Section 8 participation in Swampscott, MA, is positive. Landlords can secure higher rents through the program while serving a community with a solid economic base, ensuring reliable tenant payments. The slight premium over market rates combined with minimal price adjustments makes Swampscott an attractive location for landlords looking to maximize their investment returns.
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.