Location: Brockton, MA | Metro: Brockton, MA 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 | $1,690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,430 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,040 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,190 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,700 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,476 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,700 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,430 | $455,967 | 0.53% | F |
| 3BR | $3,040 | $588,473 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $3,190 | $727,390 | 0.44% | F |
| 5BR | $3,700 | $791,628 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 02333, located in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, presents an interesting scenario when viewed from a renter's perspective. The median household income in this area stands at $133,741, which initially suggests a strong financial capability among residents. However, the market rate for rent, according to the Census ACS, is $1,981 per month. This figure represents a significant portion of the average household's income, making it a challenging expense for many.
When comparing the market rate to the housing voucher payment standard, which is set at $1,900 for fiscal year 2024 (FMR), there is a slight difference but both are nearly equivalent. Given that only 17.0% of the population are renters, and considering the total population of 14,401, the number of potential renters is relatively low. This means that landlords must compete for a smaller pool of tenants, which can influence their decision-making regarding rental strategies.
The affordability gap between the median income and the market rate rent is substantial. A household earning the median income would likely allocate a significant percentage of their monthly earnings to rent, potentially straining other essential expenses. For landlords, this means that offering competitive pricing or accepting housing vouchers could be crucial strategies to attract and retain tenants. Vouchers can provide a steady stream of tenants who are less sensitive to price fluctuations, whereas relying solely on cash-paying tenants might expose landlords to higher vacancy rates due to the limited number of renters and the high cost of living.
In conclusion, landlords in East Bridgewater should consider the benefits of accepting housing vouchers. While the median income is high, the proportion of renters is low, indicating a need for flexibility in rental offerings. Accepting vouchers can help fill units in a competitive market and ensure a stable tenant base, even if it means slightly lower rent payments compared to the market rate. This strategy aligns well with the local economic realities and the needs of the renting population.
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.