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 | $2,230 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,240 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,680 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,081 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,691 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $6,146 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,453 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,240 | $483,485 | 0.46% | F |
| 2BR | $2,930 | $609,357 | 0.48% | F |
| 3BR | $3,680 | $774,788 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $4,380 | $1,010,572 | 0.43% | F |
| 5BR | $5,081 | $1,272,575 | 0.4% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for a Section 8 landlord in ZIP code 02645, Harwich, MA, include significant tenant turnover. The market rent stands at $1,804, while the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $2,180. This gap suggests that tenants who qualify for Section 8 might struggle to cover the difference, leading to higher churn rates. Additionally, vacancy exposure is a concern due to the lack of available data on days on market (DOM), which makes it difficult to predict how long a unit might remain vacant. Given the typical home value of $751,548 and a median income of $104,401, there's also an increased risk of deferred maintenance, as lower-income residents may not have the financial resources to keep up with the upkeep of such expensive properties.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the high renter share of 15.6%. High renter density typically correlates with higher demand for housing vouchers, which can provide a steady stream of tenants willing to pay the subsidized rent. In essence, despite the challenges, the presence of a substantial number of renters in the area indicates a robust demand for affordable housing solutions.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.