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: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,670 | $445,083 | 0.38% | F |
| 2BR | $2,180 | $752,039 | 0.29% | F |
| 3BR | $2,690 | $1,193,108 | 0.23% | F |
| 4BR | $3,090 | $1,543,198 | 0.2% | F |
| 5BR | $3,584 | $2,064,110 | 0.17% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 02666, Truro, MA, is characterized by a Federal Market Rent (FMR) set at $1850 for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount that landlords can charge for rental properties participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program. However, due to the lack of recent market rent data for the area, it's challenging to provide a direct comparison between the FMR and current market rates. Given the high median home value of $1,088,554, it is likely that market rents exceed the FMR, which means voucher tenants would typically cashflow only with premium units.
To understand the potential cashflow, consider the rent-to-price ratio. In an area where homes are valued at over a million dollars, even a modest rent of $2000 would translate to a very low rent-to-price ratio. This suggests that landlords might find it difficult to achieve positive cashflow with standard units unless they can leverage the higher end of the market. The absence of day median DOM (days on market) and percentage of price cuts indicates that there is currently no significant pressure on landlords to reduce their rental prices to attract tenants.
The strongest investor angle in Truro, MA, is stability. Despite the high median home values and potentially high market rents, the Section 8 program provides a consistent income stream that is not subject to the volatility often seen in luxury rental markets. Landlords can expect reliable tenants who are financially supported by the government, ensuring a steady and predictable cashflow. This makes Truro an attractive location for investors seeking long-term stability rather than rapid appreciation or short-term high cashflow.
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.