Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 03246 - 2027

Location: Belknap County, NH | Metro: Belknap County, NH

Investment Score for ZIP 03246

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,620

Median Price (2BR)

$377,924

1% Rule

0.43%

Annual Yield

5.14%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$1,140
1 Bedroom	$1,290
2 Bedrooms	$1,620
3 Bedrooms	$2,170
4 Bedrooms	$2,410
5 Bedrooms	$2,796
6 Bedrooms	$3,132
7 Bedrooms	$3,383
8 Bedrooms	$3,552

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
1BR	$1,290	$253,108	0.51%	F
2BR	$1,620	$377,924	0.43%	F
3BR	$2,170	$508,957	0.43%	F
4BR	$2,410	$609,131	0.4%	F
5BR	$2,796	$893,040	0.31%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

17,103

Median Household Income

$73,241

Housing Units

10,340

Renter Percentage

35.7%

Occupancy Rate

70.1%

Renter Occupied

2,585

The ZIP code 03246, located in Laconia, New Hampshire, represents a modest-sized city with a mix of residential and commercial properties. The area offers investors a blend of stability and potential growth, given its proximity to natural resources and recreational areas, which attract both residents and visitors.

Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,770, indicating that the rental market is expected to remain steady and potentially offer a slight increase in rental rates over the next few years.
The current market rent, as measured by Zillow's ZORI index, stands at $1,690, showing that the actual rents charged are slightly below the FMR, providing a margin for landlords to adjust their pricing upwards without significantly deterring tenants.
The median home value in the area is $434,142, reflecting a middle-class neighborhood where homeownership is accessible but also highlighting the affordability of renting compared to buying.
Renters make up 35.7% of the housing market, suggesting a moderate demand for rental properties. This percentage is not exceptionally high, but it does indicate a significant portion of the population relies on rentals.
The median household income is $73,241, which provides insight into the economic health of the area and the ability of residents to afford rent or mortgage payments.

In summary, Laconia's rental market presents a balanced opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. With the current market rent slightly below the projected FMR, there is room for adjustment. The median home value indicates a healthy but not overheated real estate market, while the median income suggests that residents can manage their housing costs. The moderate renter share points to a stable demand for rental properties, making it a suitable investment location for those looking for consistent returns.

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.