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 | $1,190 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,350 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,877 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,222 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,480 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,654 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,700 | $477,067 | 0.36% | F |
| 3BR | $2,280 | $570,424 | 0.4% | F |
| 4BR | $2,480 | $658,978 | 0.38% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 03269, located in Sanbornton, NH, presents an interesting landscape for both renters and landlords. The median household income in this area stands at $107,083, which places it above the national average. However, when considering the market rate for rent, which is $1,289 according to the Census ACS, it becomes evident that there is a significant affordability gap.
To put this into perspective, let’s look at how much of the median income would be spent on rent alone. At $1,289 per month, a household would spend approximately 15% of their annual income on rent. This is relatively manageable but still represents a substantial portion of disposable income, especially when other living expenses are taken into account.
Comparing the market rate to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) standard set by HUD for the metro area in fiscal year 2026, which is $1,810, it’s clear that the market rate is below the voucher payment standard. This means that households receiving housing vouchers could potentially cover the entire rent cost without any additional out-of-pocket expenses, making them attractive tenants for landlords.
With only 14.0% of the population being renters and a total population of 3,066, the competition among landlords is likely to be lower compared to areas with higher rental populations. This suggests that landlords in ZIP 03269 have a smaller pool of potential tenants, which could make attracting and retaining good tenants more challenging.
The takeaway for landlords considering whether to accept Section 8 vouchers versus relying solely on cash-paying tenants is straightforward. Given the relatively low rental population and the fact that the market rate is below the voucher payment standard, accepting vouchers can provide a steady stream of reliable tenants. While cash-paying tenants might offer slightly higher rents, the security and stability offered by voucher holders can outweigh the financial difference. Landlords should also consider the administrative ease and guaranteed payments that come with participating in the voucher program, which can be beneficial in managing a small portfolio.
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.