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 | $671,402 | 0.39% | F |
| 3BR | $3,180 | $884,295 | 0.36% | F |
| 4BR | $3,510 | $1,219,422 | 0.29% | F |
| 5BR | $4,072 | $1,572,475 | 0.26% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 02052, Medfield, Massachusetts, are straightforward. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) set specifically for this ZIP code is $2380 per month for fiscal year 2024. This is higher than the local market rent, which averages at $2,035 according to the Census ACS.
A landlord should understand that the actual amount paid by a Section 8 voucher includes both the tenant's contribution and utility allowances. The tenant is responsible for paying approximately 30% of their income towards rent. If we assume an average income level for a tenant, this would mean they contribute around $600 to $700 per month. Utility allowances vary but generally add another $150 to $200 to the monthly payment.
This means that the total reimbursement a landlord can expect from a Section 8 voucher for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 02052 is roughly $2380 per month. Given the SAFMR is $2380, the landlord will receive the full SAFMR amount if the rent is priced at or below this figure. However, since the local market rent is lower at $2,035, landlords may choose to adjust their rental rates accordingly.
To illustrate, if a landlord sets the rent at the SAFMR of $2380, the total payment received would be $2380, matching the SAFMR. If the landlord sets the rent at the local market rate of $2,035, the landlord would still receive the full $2380 from the voucher program, resulting in a surplus of $345 per month over the local market rate.
In summary, the typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 02052 is a surplus of $345 per month when the local market rent is considered. Landlords should factor in these figures when setting their rental prices for properties participating in the Section 8 program.
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.