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 | $2,150 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,230 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,650 |
| 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 | $367,647 | 0.61% | D |
| 2BR | $2,650 | $540,039 | 0.49% | F |
| 3BR | $3,180 | $653,604 | 0.49% | F |
| 4BR | $3,510 | $780,706 | 0.45% | F |
| 5BR | $4,072 | $857,951 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Investing in Section 8 housing in ZIP code 01952 in Salisbury, MA, presents several potential challenges that landlords must consider. Firstly, tenant turnover is a significant issue. The market rent stands at $1,691, whereas the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $2,570. This disparity suggests that tenants receiving Section 8 vouchers might struggle to cover the difference between the market rent and their subsidy, leading to frequent turnover.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The days on market (DOM) data is currently unavailable, which makes it difficult to predict how long it might take to fill a vacancy. In an area where the typical home value is $626,097 and the median income is $93,361, landlords should be prepared for possible deferred maintenance costs. These expenses can quickly add up, especially if the property has been neglected and requires significant repairs or updates to meet rental standards.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the high renter share in Salisbury, which is 28.8%. A higher proportion of renters often translates into greater demand for housing assistance programs such as Section 8. This demand can help ensure that there is a steady pool of potential tenants who qualify for vouchers, reducing the likelihood of extended vacancies.
The verdict for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 01952 is moderate risk. While the potential for tenant turnover and deferred maintenance is high, the strong renter base provides a solid foundation for finding qualified tenants. Landlords should carefully evaluate their ability to manage these risks before entering the Section 8 market in this area.
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.