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 | $2,210 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,220 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,650 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,046 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,652 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $6,104 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,409 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,910 | $557,673 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $3,650 | $1,056,826 | 0.35% | F |
| 4BR | $4,350 | $1,708,292 | 0.25% | F |
| 5BR | $5,046 | $2,573,452 | 0.2% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Harwich Port, MA, with ZIP code 02646, is a small coastal town with a population of 1,846 residents. Only 17.2% of the residents are renters, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied community. The median household income stands at $81,172, suggesting a relatively affluent area. The median home value in Harwich Port is significantly high at $1,082,653, reflecting the premium placed on property in this desirable location.
The rental economics in Harwich Port present an interesting scenario. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the zip code for fiscal year 2024 is set at $2,010. In contrast, the actual market rent, according to Census ACS data, averages $2,282. This gap between the FMR and market rent highlights a potential challenge for landlords who rely solely on Section 8 vouchers, as they may struggle to cover their costs without additional subsidies or higher occupancy rates.
Given these economic realities, Harwich Port might not be the best fit for a hands-off voucher operator. The high cost of living and significant disparity between FMR and market rents could make it difficult to maintain properties without actively managing them. For a hands-on value-add buyer, however, Harwich Port offers opportunities. By focusing on enhancing property values and ensuring efficient management, such an investor could leverage the affluent demographic and strong local economy to achieve better financial outcomes.
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.