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 | $2,300 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,370 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,830 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,315 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,833 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,220 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,481 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,370 | $239,498 | 0.99% | C |
| 2BR | $2,830 | $428,077 | 0.66% | D |
| 3BR | $3,370 | $621,911 | 0.54% | F |
| 4BR | $3,720 | $756,781 | 0.49% | F |
| 5BR | $4,315 | $819,227 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis for landlords and small-portfolio investors in ZIP code 02072, located in Stoughton, Massachusetts, reveals a critical gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. For fiscal year 2024, the FMR stands at $2,630, while the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) indicates that the market rent is $2,618. This results in a gap of $12, which represents a 0.46% difference between the two figures.
In Stoughton, where 25.9% of residents are renters and the median home value is $602,742, landlords must understand the implications of this gap. With a median income of $104,794, the financial stability of potential tenants should be considered. The fact that the FMR exceeds the market rent means that voucher tenants can potentially offer a yield play. Landlords can benefit from the higher guaranteed payments through the Housing Choice Voucher program, ensuring steady cash flow even if the market rent is slightly lower.
However, accepting housing vouchers comes with its own set of considerations. Vouchers typically cover only a portion of the rent, with tenants paying the remainder. In Stoughton, this could mean landlords receive less than the market rate, impacting their overall revenue. Furthermore, voucher administration requires compliance with federal regulations, which might impose additional costs and administrative burdens on landlords.
To summarize, the gap between the FMR and market rent in Stoughton, MA, presents an opportunity for landlords to secure a reliable income stream through voucher tenants. Despite the minor difference of $12, the guaranteed nature of these payments can offset the risks associated with market fluctuations and non-payment. Nonetheless, landlords must weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks of receiving below-market rents and managing the administrative requirements of the voucher program.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.