Location: Merrimack County, NH | Metro: Merrimack 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 | $1,710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,240 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,758 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,546 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,773 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,460 | $494,046 | 0.5% | F |
| 3BR | $3,220 | $567,777 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $3,240 | $644,053 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
14.5% of Chichester, NH's residents are renters, reflecting a modest demand for rental properties in ZIP 03258. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $2,710, providing a benchmark for affordable housing standards. In contrast, the actual market rent as per the Census ACS is $2,055, indicating a gap between what is considered fair and the prevailing market rates. This discrepancy can be advantageous for landlords willing to meet or exceed the FMR to attract Section 8 tenants. The median home value stands at $548,629, suggesting a higher-end residential market which could influence rental expectations. However, the median income of $108,906 is relatively low compared to the median home value, highlighting potential affordability challenges for both homeowners and renters. Despite the lack of specific data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price-cut shares, the overall economic profile of Chichester points to a stable but competitive rental environment. Landlords should consider the $2,710 FMR as a guideline for pricing their units to cater to both general and Section 8 markets effectively.
The verdict on Section 8 participation in Chichester, NH is positive, given the alignment between the FMR and the local rental market dynamics, which supports both affordability and profitability for landlords.
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.