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 | $1,220 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,300 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,410 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,796 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,132 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,383 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,552 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,680 | $429,347 | 0.39% | F |
| 3BR | $2,240 | $532,735 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
12.4% of New Hampton, NH residents are renters, indicating a moderate demand for rental properties in ZIP 03256. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,860, which is significantly higher than the $749 reported by the Census ACS for market rent. This disparity suggests that landlords can potentially charge above the average market rate while still being within the bounds of the Section 8 program. The median home value stands at $496,352, reflecting a relatively affluent community where the median income is $87,917. Despite the high median income, the difference between the FMR and the market rent implies that many residents might still seek assistance through Section 8 due to the cost of living in the area.
The lack of available data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price-cut shares indicates stability in the local real estate market, with little fluctuation in property values or rental rates. However, the high FMR compared to the actual market rent could be an opportunity for landlords who wish to participate in the Section 8 program to increase their rental income without pricing out potential tenants.
Given the median income of $87,917, it's likely that a portion of the population qualifies for the Section 8 program, making it a viable option for landlords looking to fill vacancies. The program ensures timely rent payments and provides a level of security against non-payment, which can be particularly beneficial in a stable but competitive market like New Hampton, NH.
In conclusion, with a Fair Market Rent of $1,860 and a market rent of $749, landlords in ZIP 03256 can effectively leverage the Section 8 program to achieve better rental yields while serving a segment of the population that benefits from affordable housing options. The Section 8 program is a solid choice for landlords and small-portfolio investors in this area.
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.