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 | $1,240 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,360 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,780 | $404,557 | 0.44% | F |
| 3BR | $2,350 | $487,647 | 0.48% | F |
| 4BR | $2,360 | $554,721 | 0.43% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate landscape in ZIP 03275, Pembroke, NH, presents a unique set of conditions that are likely to persist over the next 12-24 months. With a median home value at $453,230, the area stands out as a middle-tier market within the region. The absence of any percentage of listings being reduced signals a stable market where sellers are confident in their asking prices. This stability, coupled with an undefined median days on market (DOM), suggests that homes are selling close to their list price, indicating strong seller pricing power.
On the rental side, the Forward Monthly Rent (FMR) for ZIP 03275 is projected at $1,960 for fiscal year 2026, while the current market rent, according to the Census ACS, is $1,236. This significant gap between the FMR and the actual market rent points to a potential increase in rental prices as the market adjusts to the higher FMR levels. Landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect a gradual rise in rental income as the market moves towards equilibrium with the FMR, making rental properties more attractive in terms of cash flow.
For long-term investors, the setup implies a realistic appreciation thesis. The stable home values and strong seller pricing power suggest that property values are unlikely to decline significantly. However, the appreciation rate will be modest rather than explosive. The growing disparity between market rents and the FMR also indicates that rental yields could improve over time, adding to the overall investment appeal. While not a high-growth market, ZIP 03275 offers a solid, predictable environment for those looking to invest in real estate for the long haul.
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.