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 | $437,524 | 0.51% | F |
| 2BR | $2,650 | $525,153 | 0.5% | F |
| 3BR | $3,180 | $696,245 | 0.46% | F |
| 4BR | $3,510 | $963,195 | 0.36% | F |
| 5BR | $4,072 | $1,131,899 | 0.36% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 02093, located in Wrentham, MA, falls within the broader Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. Its Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2024 is set at $2380. Comparatively, this figure aligns closely with the typical FMRs found across ZIP codes in the Boston metro area.
The market rent for ZIP 02093 is listed at $1,184, which is notably lower than the FMR. This indicates that the rental market in Wrentham is more affordable relative to what is considered fair market value by HUD. Additionally, the median home value in this ZIP code is $763,862, placing it above average when compared to many other ZIP codes within the Boston metro area. However, the renter share stands at 18.0%, suggesting a smaller proportion of residents are renters compared to homeowners.
Given these figures, ZIP 02093 can be characterized as a mid-tier neighborhood within its metro area. The higher home values suggest a relatively affluent area, but the lower market rent implies affordability for those seeking rental properties. The discrepancy between the FMR and the actual market rent could present an opportunity for landlords, especially those interested in Section 8 housing, as the gap indicates a potential for subsidies that exceed current market rates.
However, the relatively low renter share might indicate that there is less demand for rentals overall. Despite this, the combination of a high FMR and a lower market rent still positions Wrentham as a favorable location for landlords participating in Section 8 programs. Landlords can expect to receive higher subsidy payments than the prevailing market rents, which can help cover costs and provide a margin of profit.
In summary, while ZIP 02093 is not necessarily a value pocket due to its higher home values, it offers a unique position within the Boston metro area where Section 8 subsidies are likely to be advantageous. This makes it a solid choice for landlords looking to benefit from federal rental assistance programs without the extensive competition found in more densely populated areas with higher renter shares.
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.