Location: Barnstable Town, MA | Metro: Barnstable Town, MA MSA
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 | $2,010 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,650 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,900 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,524 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,067 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,472 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,746 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,020 | $407,301 | 0.5% | F |
| 2BR | $2,650 | $634,038 | 0.42% | F |
| 3BR | $3,270 | $780,854 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $3,900 | $958,927 | 0.41% | F |
| 5BR | $4,524 | $1,415,495 | 0.32% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
2530 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 02537 in East Sandwich, MA, for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount a landlord can charge for a Section 8 rental agreement in the area. In comparison, the market rent as reported by the Census ACS stands at 1363, indicating a significant gap between what the market demands and what Section 8 covers. The median home value in this ZIP code is 791299, which suggests a relatively affluent neighborhood where homes are priced well above the national average. However, only 9.8% of residents are renters, implying a lower demand for rental properties compared to owner-occupied homes. The median income of 136506 further supports the notion of an economically robust community, but it also means that many local residents might be financially capable of purchasing rather than renting homes. Despite the lack of specific data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price-cut shares, the disparity between the FMR and market rent indicates a potential opportunity for landlords willing to participate in the Section 8 program. By offering units at the subsidized rate, they can tap into a segment of the population that might otherwise struggle to find affordable housing in such a pricey area.
The verdict for Section 8 participation in ZIP 02537 is positive, given the substantial difference between the FMR and market rent, making it a viable option for landlords looking to fill vacancies in a low-renter-share environment.
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.