Location: Cheshire County, NH | Metro: Cheshire 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 | $1,200 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,330 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,668 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,227 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,388 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,740 | $429,094 | 0.41% | F |
| 3BR | $2,270 | $539,076 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $2,300 | $650,185 | 0.35% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Dublin, NH, located in ZIP code 03444, serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the Cheshire County, NH metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,860, which is significantly higher than the current market rent of $1,325. This creates a positive spread that can be leveraged to ensure steady and predictable cash flow for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The median home value in Dublin, NH, stands at $536,505, indicating a relatively stable housing market. Despite the high median home value, the median income in the area is $104,773, suggesting that there is a segment of the population that would benefit from affordable housing options such as those supported by Section 8 vouchers. This makes the ZIP code attractive for landlords looking to secure long-term tenants who are financially stable and less likely to default on rent payments.
With a renter share of 16.6%, Dublin, NH, offers a diversified rental market, but the primary focus for Section 8 investment should be on the cash flow stability it provides. The difference between the FMR and the market rent ensures that landlords can receive a higher rent payment through the voucher program while maintaining competitive rates for tenants. This strategy is particularly effective in areas where the local economy supports a diverse range of incomes, ensuring a steady demand for subsidized housing.
In conclusion, ZIP 03444 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio due to the substantial difference between the FMR and the market rent, coupled with a stable median home value and a supportive local economy. This combination allows investors to generate reliable cash flow while providing affordable housing solutions to a portion of the community that needs them.
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.