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 | $1,340 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,480 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,530 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,946 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,300 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,564 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,742 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,480 | $326,060 | 0.45% | F |
| 2BR | $1,930 | $339,865 | 0.57% | F |
| 3BR | $2,530 | $459,645 | 0.55% | F |
| 4BR | $2,540 | $508,733 | 0.5% | F |
| 5BR | $2,946 | $601,889 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment risk assessment for ZIP 03303 in Boscawen, NH, highlights several potential challenges that landlords should be aware of when considering participation in the Section 8 program. Firstly, tenant turnover can be problematic due to the disparity between the market rent of $1,625 and the Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $2,100 for FY 2026 in the metro area. This gap suggests that tenants may struggle to keep up with the higher rental costs required by the FMR, leading to frequent turnovers.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, given the average days on market (DOM) of 16 days. While this indicates a relatively quick leasing process, it also implies that landlords might face periods where their units remain vacant if they do not promptly find suitable tenants who qualify for the Section 8 program. The typical home value in the area stands at $422,919, which contrasts sharply with the median household income of $80,456. This significant difference between property values and incomes can lead to deferred maintenance issues, as tenants may have limited resources to address repairs and upkeep.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high renter share of 31.8%. A substantial portion of the population renting rather than owning homes typically correlates with increased demand for housing vouchers, such as those provided through Section 8. This high demand can help ensure a steady stream of qualified applicants looking for subsidized housing, mitigating some of the concerns around vacancy and turnover.
In conclusion, despite the challenges posed by tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance, the high renter share in ZIP 03303 presents a favorable environment for landlords seeking to participate in the Section 8 program. The overall risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in this area is moderate.
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.