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 | $2,130 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,650 | $619,551 | 0.43% | F |
| 3BR | $3,180 | $766,070 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $3,510 | $1,009,705 | 0.35% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
18.3% of Rowley, MA residents are renters, indicating a moderate demand for rental properties in the area. The $793,060 median home value suggests a relatively affluent community, which can be advantageous for landlords seeking stable tenants. However, the $1,603 average market rent, according to Census ACS data, shows that rental prices are significantly lower than what might be expected given the high median home value. This discrepancy highlights the need for landlords to carefully manage their rental pricing to remain competitive while ensuring profitability.
The $2380 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 01969, as set for fiscal year 2024, provides a benchmark for landlords participating in the Section 8 program. It's important to note that this figure is higher than the average market rent, which could make Section 8 a viable option for landlords looking to secure steady rental income without the risk of vacancy. Given the $132,734 median income in Rowley, landlords should consider that potential tenants may have the financial stability to meet rental obligations.
While the data does not provide specific insights into the days on market (DOM) or the percentage of price-cut shares, these factors are crucial for investors considering the purchase of rental properties. A low DOM would indicate a strong rental market, whereas a high percentage of price-cut shares could suggest that landlords might need to be flexible with their asking rents to attract tenants.
In conclusion, for landlords and small-portfolio investors, Rowley, MA presents an opportunity to leverage the higher FMR set for Section 8 against the lower average market rent. The median income supports the likelihood of finding financially stable tenants, making participation in the Section 8 program a strategic choice. Verdict: Section 8 is recommended for securing reliable rental income in Rowley, MA.
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.