Location: Taunton-Mansfield-Norton, MA | Metro: Brockton, MA HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,610 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,660 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,070 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,561 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,307 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,522 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,220 | $508,554 | 0.44% | F |
| 3BR | $2,660 | $624,604 | 0.43% | F |
| 4BR | $3,070 | $746,649 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for a Section 8 investment in ZIP code 02779 in Berkley, MA, must be carefully considered. Firstly, tenant turnover can be an issue due to the difference between the market rent and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD. For fiscal year 2024, the FMR for ZIP 02779 is $1940, but the actual market rent is not specified, which could lead to higher turnover if tenants find better deals elsewhere.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, especially since the days on market (DOM) for rental properties is not available. This lack of data makes it difficult to predict how quickly a property might be rented out, leaving the landlord vulnerable to periods without income.
The deferred-maintenance exposure is significant given the typical home value of $621,123 and the median income of $144,205. Landlords should expect that tenants may not have the financial means to cover unexpected maintenance costs, which could fall entirely on the landlord's shoulders.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the high renter density in the area. The renter share of the population is 3.3%, which, although seemingly low, is actually a high concentration of renters in this ZIP code. High renter density typically correlates with increased demand for housing vouchers, making it easier to fill vacancies with Section 8 tenants.
In conclusion, the investment risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 02779 is moderate.
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.