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 | $356,929 | 0.62% | D |
| 2BR | $2,650 | $587,106 | 0.45% | F |
| 3BR | $3,180 | $754,601 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $3,510 | $835,230 | 0.42% | F |
| 5BR | $4,072 | $992,598 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 02170, located in Quincy, MA, Norfolk County, hinge on understanding the specific financial mechanisms at play. For fiscal year 2024, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code is set at $2,460. This SAFMR figure is crucial as it directly influences the reimbursement rates for landlords participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
The local market rent, as indicated by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), stands at $2,472. This means that the SAFMR closely mirrors the actual market conditions in ZIP 02170, making it relatively straightforward for landlords to estimate their potential income from renting to Section 8 tenants.
A Section 8 voucher typically covers the difference between the tenant's portion and the SAFMR. In ZIP 02170, the tenant is expected to pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted monthly income of $1,640 (based on the SAFMR), the tenant would contribute approximately $492 towards rent. This leaves the remainder of the SAFMR, which is $1,968, to be covered by the voucher.
In addition to the base rent, landlords also receive utility allowances. For a two-bedroom unit, the utility allowance can vary but often averages around $200 per month. Therefore, the total reimbursement a landlord might expect from a Section 8 voucher, including both rent and utilities, would be approximately $2,168.
This amount is slightly below the local market rent of $2,472, creating a small reimbursement gap. However, the gap is minimal, only $304 per month, which is manageable for most landlords. Given that the SAFMR is specifically set for this ZIP code, it reflects the unique market conditions of Quincy, ensuring that landlords are not significantly disadvantaged compared to the broader market.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 02170 can expect a voucher payment of about $2,168 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, which is just under the local market rent. This results in a modest surplus of approximately $304 per month, allowing landlords to participate in the Section 8 program without substantial financial loss.
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.