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 | $2,220 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,230 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,660 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,069 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,677 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $6,131 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,438 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,920 | $561,287 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $3,660 | $689,518 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $4,370 | $868,145 | 0.5% | F |
| 5BR | $5,069 | $1,236,389 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 02648, located in Barnstable, MA, stands out within the Barnstable Town, MA MSA metro area based on several key metrics. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 02648 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $2700, which is notably higher than the market rent of $2,184. This discrepancy suggests that 02648 is positioned as a premium sub-market within the broader Barnstable Town, MA MSA. Landlords can expect to leverage the higher FMR to secure better rental agreements through Section 8 programs.
Comparatively, the median home value in 02648 is $679,020, aligning closely with typical values found across the metro area. This indicates that while rents are elevated, property values remain consistent with the region's standards, making 02648 a potentially attractive location for small-portfolio investors seeking to balance investment cost with higher rental income opportunities.
The renter share in 02648 is 2.5%, which is relatively low compared to many other ZIP codes within the metro area. This low percentage implies that the majority of residents own their homes, suggesting a less competitive rental market. However, it also means that there might be fewer opportunities for landlords focusing exclusively on the rental market.
In summary, ZIP 02648 is best classified as a premium sub-market within the Barnstable Town, MA MSA. Its higher FMR combined with typical home values and a low renter share makes it an area where landlords can command premium rents through Section 8 but may face challenges due to the lower number of renters. It does not fit the profile of a Section 8 sweet spot, characterized by high renter share with below-metro home values, but rather presents a niche opportunity for those willing to navigate a slightly less crowded rental environment.
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.