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 | $400,409 | 0.43% | F |
| 3BR | $2,270 | $482,143 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $2,300 | $573,994 | 0.4% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 03461, located in Rindge, NH, within the Cheshire County, NH metro area, reveals key insights for potential landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The first question to address is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,670. However, the current market rent, as per the Census ACS, stands at $1,123. This indicates that the market rent is significantly lower than the FMR, suggesting that landlords might struggle to achieve the higher rent levels without subsidies. The discrepancy between these two figures implies a challenge in maximizing rental income based on market conditions alone.
Moving on to acquisition affordability, the median home value in the area is $461,225. While the average number of days on the market (DOM) and the percentage of homes needing price cuts are not available, the median home value provides a solid anchor point for investment decisions. At this valuation, acquiring properties in 03461 requires a substantial upfront capital investment, which must be weighed against the potential rental income and long-term appreciation.
Regarding tenant demand, the ZIP code has a population of 6,497, with 15.2% being renters. This relatively low renter share suggests that the pool of potential tenants is limited, which could impact occupancy rates and the ability to quickly fill vacancies. Landlords should consider the smaller rental market when planning their investment strategies.
In summary, while the median home value in ZIP 03461 presents a significant barrier to entry, the disparity between the FMR and market rent highlights the need for subsidies to achieve desired rental yields. With a limited renter share, securing consistent tenant demand poses an additional challenge. Therefore, investing in this area is viable but requires careful consideration of financial support mechanisms and market saturation risks.
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.