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 | $1,660 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,670 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,180 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,690 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,090 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,584 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,335 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,552 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,180 | $736,275 | 0.3% | F |
| 3BR | $2,690 | $1,072,879 | 0.25% | F |
| 4BR | $3,090 | $1,327,290 | 0.23% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls of investing in ZIP 02659 under the Section 8 program are significant. Tenant turnover poses a notable challenge, with market rents at $1,577 compared to the Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $1,840 for FY 2024. This discrepancy suggests that landlords may struggle to find tenants willing to pay the higher FMR rate, leading to increased turnover and associated costs.
Vacancy exposure is another critical risk factor. The Days on Market (DOM) figure is currently unavailable, which makes it difficult to predict how long a property might remain vacant between tenancies. This uncertainty can result in financial strain, as landlords must cover mortgage payments and other expenses without rental income during these periods.
The deferred-maintenance exposure is also substantial. With a typical home value of $983,506 and a median income of $109,453, there's a significant gap between property values and residents' ability to afford maintenance costs. Landlords must be prepared to invest in keeping properties up to code, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Despite these risks, the high renter share of 14.1% provides a silver lining. High renter density often translates into a robust demand for housing vouchers, potentially stabilizing occupancy rates and ensuring a steady stream of income for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.