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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,650 | $438,031 | 0.6% | D |
| 3BR | $3,180 | $531,074 | 0.6% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To understand how Section 8 economics work in ZIP 02576 (Wareham, MA, Plymouth County), it's important to know the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $2380 for the fiscal year 2024. This figure is specific to this ZIP code, meaning landlords must adhere to this rate when participating in the Section 8 program for this area.
The SAFMR represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay on behalf of a tenant. However, the actual payment received by landlords is influenced by several factors including the tenant's contribution and utility allowances.
A tenant's portion of the rent is generally determined by their income, with a standard rule being that they contribute 30% of their adjusted monthly income towards rent. Utility allowances vary but typically add an additional $200-$300 to the total reimbursement, depending on the specifics of the lease and the household's needs.
To illustrate, let's assume a tenant contributes $700 toward the rent. With an average utility allowance of $250, the total reimbursement would be:
The sum of these components is $3330. However, the housing authority only reimburses up to the SAFMR of $2380. Therefore, the landlord receives the $2380 from the housing authority and the $700 from the tenant, totaling $3080. The utility allowance of $250 is given directly to the tenant.
In this scenario, the landlord would receive less than the total reimbursement because the SAFMR cap is lower than the sum of the tenant's contribution and the utility allowance. The reimbursement gap, or the difference between the market rent and the SAFMR, cannot be accurately quantified without specific market rent data for ZIP 02576. However, if the local market rent were higher than $2380, the landlord would face a shortfall. Conversely, if the market rent were lower, the landlord could benefit from a surplus.
Given the SAFMR of $2380 and the tenant's contribution of $700, the landlord can expect a reimbursement of $3080 minus the utility allowance given to the tenant. This leaves a potential surplus or gap based on the actual local market conditions, which currently are unspecified.
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.