Location: Brockton, 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 | $249,189 | 0.89% | C |
| 2BR | $2,650 | $472,676 | 0.56% | F |
| 3BR | $3,180 | $565,313 | 0.56% | F |
| 4BR | $3,510 | $688,990 | 0.51% | F |
| 5BR | $4,072 | $715,657 | 0.57% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 thesis for ZIP code 02370 in Rockland, MA, centers around the discrepancy between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. For fiscal year 2024, the FMR stands at $2380, while the market rent, as measured by ZORI, is $2449. This creates a gap of $69, representing a difference of approximately 2.9%. Given that the FMR is lower than the market rent, it's crucial to understand the implications for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The cost of housing voucher tenants below open-market rates is a significant consideration. Despite the FMR being set at $2380, landlords must be prepared to accept a lower rent than what the market would otherwise bear. This can lead to reduced cash flow and potential challenges in covering maintenance and operational costs. However, the stability of rental income through the Section 8 program can offset these risks, providing a steady stream of payments backed by the government.
In Rockland, MA, where 23.5% of residents are renters and the median home value is $550,530, the median income of $112,405 suggests that many families rely on assistance to afford housing. The FMR is designed to reflect the affordability of housing for low-income families, but it does not always align with the market dynamics. Landlords who participate in the Section 8 program should carefully evaluate their expenses and consider the long-term benefits of stable tenancy against the short-term reduction in rent.
To illustrate, if a property is valued at the median home value of $550,530, the monthly mortgage payment could be substantial. Accepting a Section 8 tenant at the FMR rate means the landlord might have to subsidize the difference to ensure profitability. This subsidy can be seen as an investment in community stability and a way to support local families.
Furthermore, the participation in the Section 8 program can help landlords fill vacancies quickly and maintain occupancy rates, which is particularly beneficial in a market where the demand for affordable housing outstrips supply. The gap between the FMR and market rent highlights the importance of understanding the local housing landscape and the financial realities faced by both landlords and tenants in Rockland, MA.
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.