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 | $1,690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,780 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,320 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,851 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,313 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,658 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,891 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,700 | $240,226 | 0.71% | D |
| 2BR | $2,220 | $483,294 | 0.46% | F |
| 3BR | $2,780 | $650,701 | 0.43% | F |
| 4BR | $3,320 | $794,616 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for a Section 8 landlord investing in ZIP code 02639 in Dennis, MA, are significant. First, tenant turnover can be a major issue. The market rent for the area is $1,496, while the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $2,110. This disparity suggests that tenants who qualify for Section 8 vouchers might struggle to find housing outside the program, leading to frequent moves and higher turnover rates. Additionally, the vacancy exposure is substantial due to the lack of data on Days on Market (DOM), which indicates uncertainty in how quickly properties can be rented out. Lastly, there is a risk of deferred maintenance. With a typical home value of $547,024 and a median income of $72,567, many residents may not have the financial capacity to invest heavily in property upkeep, potentially leaving landlords with costly repairs.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high concentration of renters in the area. The renter share stands at 29.8%, which is relatively high and typically correlates with increased demand for rental housing, including those supported by Section 8 vouchers. A dense population of renters can help ensure steady occupancy rates, even if the process of finding suitable tenants is more challenging.
In conclusion, the overall risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP code 02639 in Dennis, MA, is moderate.
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.