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 | $1,310 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,320 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,360 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,738 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,067 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,312 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,478 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,320 | $221,077 | 0.6% | F |
| 2BR | $1,730 | $359,692 | 0.48% | F |
| 3BR | $2,350 | $552,807 | 0.43% | F |
| 4BR | $2,360 | $776,880 | 0.3% | F |
| 5BR | $2,738 | $1,070,805 | 0.26% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 03251, which includes Lincoln, NH, is set at $1,890 for the fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will pay to cover the rent for a Section 8 tenant in this area. It's important to note that this is not necessarily the rent you should charge; it's the reimbursement limit.
To put this into perspective, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Lincoln, NH, according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS), is $1,143. This means the FMR is significantly higher than the typical market rate, potentially allowing you to receive more income through the Section 8 program than you would from a regular tenant paying market price.
About 28.0% of residents in Lincoln, NH, are renters. This indicates a moderate demand for rental properties, especially those participating in the Section 8 program, which can provide a steady stream of tenants who are financially supported by the government.
If you're considering purchasing a property to use as a Section 8 rental, the median home value in the area is around $477,416. This is the acquisition cost you might face when buying a home to convert into a rental unit. Given the FMR and the potential for stable occupancy, this investment could be worthwhile if you're looking to generate reliable rental income.
Before proceeding with a Section 8 rental in ZIP 03251, you must verify that your property meets HUD’s housing quality standards (HQS). These standards ensure the safety and habitability of the property and are essential for approval in the Section 8 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.