Location: Hillsborough County, NH | Metro: Nashua, NH 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 | $1,330 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,510 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,540 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,710 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,144 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,521 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,803 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,993 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,920 | $362,727 | 0.53% | F |
| 3BR | $2,540 | $516,297 | 0.49% | F |
| 4BR | $2,710 | $626,584 | 0.43% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 03086, which encompasses Wilton, NH, within the Hillsborough County, NH (part) HUD Metro FMR Area, reveals several key insights for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The first question addresses whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area as of fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,690. In contrast, the Census ACS reports the market rent at $1,398. This indicates that the market rent is below the FMR, suggesting that landlords can potentially charge higher rents and still be within the HUD guidelines for subsidized housing programs. However, it also means that tenants qualifying for assistance might find the market somewhat restrictive due to the higher FMR compared to actual market rates.
Moving on to the affordability of acquisition, the median home value in ZIP 03086 is $501,672. With the day DOM (Days On Market) and the percentage of homes needing price cuts being listed as N/A, it's difficult to assess the typical speed of sales and the necessity for price adjustments. Nevertheless, the median home value provides a baseline for potential investment costs. Investors should consider this figure alongside their own financial capabilities and expected returns.
The third question concerns tenant demand. The total population of the area is 4,258, with a renter share of 23.6%. This translates to approximately 1,000 renters in the area. While the number of renters is relatively low given the overall population, the presence of a significant portion of the population willing to rent can still support a modest rental market.
In conclusion, the rent math in ZIP 03086 does work favorably for landlords who can leverage the higher FMR to set competitive rental prices. Acquisition costs, while substantial at a median home value of $501,672, are balanced by the potential for stable rental income, especially if the investor targets properties near the median value or slightly below. Tenant demand is limited but sufficient to sustain a niche rental market. Therefore, investing in this ZIP code would be viable for those seeking a stable, albeit smaller-scale, rental portfolio. However, investors must be prepared for a potentially slower market in terms of both property acquisition and tenant turnover.
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.