Location: Grafton County, NH | Metro: Grafton 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 | $1,180 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,190 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,120 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,471 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,768 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,989 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,138 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,190 | $225,896 | 0.53% | F |
| 2BR | $1,560 | $309,365 | 0.5% | F |
| 3BR | $2,120 | $348,145 | 0.61% | D |
| 4BR | $2,130 | $343,460 | 0.62% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 03585, which includes Lisbon, NH, in Grafton County, are straightforward. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,600. This figure represents the maximum amount that a voucher holder can pay for rent in this specific ZIP code.
However, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit, according to the Census ACS, is lower at $1,256. This discrepancy means that landlords in ZIP 03585 should understand how the actual reimbursement works when a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher.
A voucher holder is expected to contribute 30% of their adjusted income toward rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,500 per month, the tenant would contribute $450 towards rent. The remaining amount is covered by the government up to the SAFMR limit. Therefore, in this case, the government would cover $1,150 ($1,600 - $450).
Landlords should also be aware of utility allowances. The total utility allowance for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 03585 is $300. This allowance is separate from the rent and directly compensates the landlord for utilities paid by the tenant.
To summarize, if a landlord charges $1,256 for a two-bedroom unit, the government will reimburse them $1,150 plus the utility allowance of $300, totaling $1,450. This leaves a surplus of $194 above the local market rent, making Section 8 vouchers a stable and predictable source of income for landlords in ZIP 03585.
This analysis assumes the tenant's contribution does not exceed the SAFMR limit. If the tenant's contribution is higher, the reimbursement would adjust accordingly but never exceed the SAFMR cap. Thus, the economics of Section 8 in ZIP 03585 provide a solid financial foundation for landlords, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their properties while also offering a manageable rent to tenants.
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.