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 | $2,230 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,300 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,750 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,610 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,188 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,691 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,066 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,319 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,300 | $469,752 | 0.49% | F |
| 2BR | $2,750 | $514,360 | 0.53% | F |
| 3BR | $3,280 | $732,601 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $3,610 | $839,548 | 0.43% | F |
| 5BR | $4,188 | $939,129 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 02152, Winthrop, Massachusetts, is set at $2,470 for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount the federal government will pay landlords who participate in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. It's important to note that this is not the actual rent you would charge your tenants; it's the reimbursement limit.
In comparison, the local market rent for ZIP 02152, as measured by the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI), stands at $2,584. This indicates that the average rent in the area is slightly higher than the FMR. As a landlord, you can set your rent above the FMR, but remember that tenants will be responsible for paying the difference between the FMR and the rent you charge.
The rental market in Winthrop is robust, with 43.1% of residents being renters. This high percentage suggests a strong demand for rental properties, including those under the Section 8 program. However, the acquisition cost of a property in this area is also significant, with an average price tag of $687,724. This means that if you're looking to buy a property specifically for Section 8, you should expect a substantial investment upfront.
Before you proceed with adding a Section 8 rental to your portfolio, verify that your property meets all the necessary requirements for the program. This includes passing a housing quality standards inspection and ensuring that the rent you charge is reasonable compared to other similar units in the area. By doing so, you can ensure that your investment aligns with both the federal guidelines and the local market conditions.
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.