Location: Belknap County, NH | Metro: Belknap 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 | $1,200 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,380 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,150 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,004 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,364 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,633 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,815 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,380 | $234,755 | 0.59% | F |
| 2BR | $1,740 | $454,143 | 0.38% | F |
| 3BR | $2,150 | $611,765 | 0.35% | F |
| 4BR | $2,590 | $799,913 | 0.32% | F |
| 5BR | $3,004 | $1,228,237 | 0.24% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 03249, which includes Gilford, New Hampshire, is set at $1,930 for the metro area fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers, meaning that if you participate in the program, you will receive up to $1,930 per month from the government to cover the rent for eligible tenants.
It's important to note that this is not the amount you can charge your tenants. The actual rent paid by the tenant will be a portion of their income, typically around 30%, while the voucher covers the remainder up to the FMR limit.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in Gilford is currently $1,150 according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS) data. This suggests that the FMR is significantly higher than the typical market rate, potentially offering better financial stability for landlords who enroll in the Section 8 program.
With 6.9% of the population being renters, there is a moderate demand for rental properties in Gilford. However, the number of people willing and able to use Section 8 vouchers may be lower due to the requirement for a low-income status. To attract these tenants, ensure your property meets the necessary standards and is in a desirable location.
When considering the acquisition cost of a property in Gilford, a median home value of $536,717 might seem high. However, the potential for steady rental income through the Section 8 program can offset some of the initial investment risk.
Before deciding to take on a Section 8 rental, verify that your property complies with Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These are minimum safety and habitability requirements set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Ensuring your property meets these standards will prevent delays and ensure eligibility for the program.
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.