Location: Grafton County, NH | Metro: Grafton County, NH
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 | $1,290 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,300 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,714 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,040 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,283 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,447 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,300 | $275,244 | 0.47% | F |
| 2BR | $1,710 | $391,070 | 0.44% | F |
| 3BR | $2,310 | $493,643 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $2,340 | $561,260 | 0.42% | F |
| 5BR | $2,714 | $712,345 | 0.38% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 03222, Bristol, NH, does not favor landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the Grafton County, NH metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,890. However, the current market rent, according to Census ACS data, stands at $1,275. This means that landlords relying on Section 8 vouchers will struggle to cover their costs as the government subsidy falls below the actual market rate.
Acquisition of properties in this ZIP code is relatively affordable. With a median home value of $423,996, potential investors can find homes within a reasonable budget. However, the lack of available data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have been listed with a price cut suggests that the market dynamics might be less favorable for quick property turnovers or significant price negotiations.
Tenant demand is present but not overwhelming. The total population of ZIP 03222 is 6,097, with 21.8% of residents being renters. This indicates a steady pool of potential tenants but also implies that competition among rental properties could be moderate.
In summary, while there is a tenant base in ZIP 03222, the disparity between the FMR and the actual market rent poses a challenge for landlords. Acquisition costs are manageable, but without further insight into market liquidity and negotiation trends, caution is advised. Landlords should carefully assess their cost structures and consider diversifying their investment portfolios to include areas where the FMR aligns more closely with market rents.
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.