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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,230 | $586,926 | 0.38% | F |
| 2BR | $2,650 | $855,938 | 0.31% | F |
| 3BR | $3,180 | $939,566 | 0.34% | F |
| 4BR | $3,510 | $1,222,827 | 0.29% | F |
| 5BR | $4,072 | $1,573,161 | 0.26% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 02066, located in Scituate, MA, represents a homeowner-dominated area rather than a renter-heavy zone. The population stands at 19,099, with only 12.4% being renters. This low percentage indicates that the majority of residents own their homes, which typically means fewer tenants looking for rental properties.
The median household income in Scituate is $136,689, significantly higher than the national average. Despite this, the market rent for the area is $1,609 per month. To put this into perspective, the typical rent consumes approximately 14.5% of the median household income, calculated as ($1,609 / $136,689) * 100. This suggests that while rents are not exorbitant relative to income, they still represent a notable portion of monthly earnings.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR), which is set at $2,570 for FY 2024, reveals that the actual rent is below the FMR threshold. This implies that landlords might struggle to find tenants willing to pay the full FMR amount, especially given the relatively high median income levels.
In terms of Section 8 voucher demand, the scarcity of renters and the high median income suggest that there is limited demand for deeply subsidized housing. Landlords should expect tenants who, while potentially using vouchers, will likely require units that are well-maintained and meet higher standards due to the affluent nature of the area.
To conclude, landlords in Scituate should prepare for a tenant pool that is smaller and more selective. These tenants, even if they use vouchers, are likely to be seeking quality accommodations that fit within their budget constraints but also align with the expectations set by the area's overall economic status. It is advisable to focus on maintaining competitive rental rates and ensuring that properties are in excellent condition to attract these tenants effectively.
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.