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 | $2,600 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,680 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,810 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,210 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,884 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,470 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,908 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,203 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,680 | $344,652 | 0.78% | D |
| 2BR | $3,200 | $569,645 | 0.56% | F |
| 3BR | $3,810 | $772,981 | 0.49% | F |
| 4BR | $4,210 | $1,099,239 | 0.38% | F |
| 5BR | $4,884 | $1,361,051 | 0.36% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 02021 (Canton, MA) does not work favorably for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $3040 for FY 2024 is higher than the actual market rent, which stands at $2,786 (ZORI). This discrepancy suggests that while the government's benchmark is generous, the real estate market offers lower rents, potentially reducing income for property owners.
Acquisition in this area is moderately affordable. With a median home value of $805,747, the investment cost is substantial but not prohibitive. The 28-day Days on Market (DOM) indicates a relatively quick sale process, suggesting liquidity. However, only 0.2% of homes are listed with a price cut, which implies that the market is stable and sellers generally do not need to reduce their asking prices to attract buyers.
Tenant demand in Canton is strong. The population of 24,748 supports a significant rental market, with 26.4% of residents being renters. This share translates to approximately 6,539 individuals who rely on rental housing, providing a solid base of potential tenants.
Verdict: Despite the favorable FMR, the actual market conditions in ZIP 02021 do not align well with landlord expectations. The high median home value makes acquisitions expensive, though the quick DOM and low price-cut share suggest a stable and slightly bullish market. Tenant demand is robust, which could mitigate some risks, but overall, the area presents a challenging environment for small-portfolio investors looking to maximize returns. The strong demand for rentals ensures occupancy rates will likely remain high, but the gap between FMR and ZORI means landlords must carefully manage expenses to maintain profitability.
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.