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 | $2,510 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,530 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,310 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,150 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,950 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,742 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $6,431 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $6,945 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $7,292 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $3,310 | $574,052 | 0.58% | F |
| 3BR | $4,150 | $678,590 | 0.61% | D |
| 4BR | $4,950 | $878,805 | 0.56% | F |
| 5BR | $5,742 | $1,500,264 | 0.38% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market in ZIP 02632, Barnstable, MA, is dynamic and influenced by several key factors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area stands at $2,610 for fiscal year 2024, indicating the government's benchmark for affordable rental rates. In contrast, the market rent as reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS) is slightly lower at $2,370. This suggests that while there is a presence of affordable housing options, the actual market rates are somewhat below the FMR, pointing towards a balance between supply and demand.
A 0.2% price-cut share implies that very few listings are being discounted, which is often a sign of a stable market where demand meets supply. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about the speed at which properties are selling or renting. The median home value in the area is $681,109, reflecting a significant investment for homeowners.
The 18.6% renter share indicates that nearly one-fifth of the population in Barnstable relies on rental housing. This figure is relatively low compared to many urban areas, suggesting a higher preference for homeownership. However, it also points to potential long-term housing pressures as the demand for rentals could increase if more residents seek alternative living arrangements due to economic changes or lifestyle preferences. A lower renter share can imply that the community is more stable, with fewer short-term residents, but it also means that any shift in demographics or economy could have a pronounced effect on the rental market.
In summary, the current snapshot of ZIP 02632 suggests a balanced market with slight indications of supply meeting demand. The relatively low renter share and median home value suggest a homeowner-dominated community with a stable housing environment. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should be mindful of these dynamics and prepare for potential shifts in the future.
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.