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 | $1,100 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,110 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,980 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,297 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,573 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,779 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,918 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,970 | $639,673 | 0.31% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 03586, located in Grafton County, NH, is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This designation is based on the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the market rent for the area. The FMR for FY 2026 in the metro region is set at $1,420, while the current market rent stands at $1,208. This means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect to receive a higher rental income compared to what they would get in the open market.
The median home value in ZIP 03586 is $620,088, which indicates a relatively high-value housing market. However, the key metric for a cash-flow anchor is the guaranteed rental income from the Section 8 program. By securing a rental agreement through Section 8, landlords can ensure steady cash flow at rates above the local market average. This makes ZIP 03586 particularly attractive for landlords looking to stabilize their portfolio with reliable, government-backed income streams.
While the ZIP code does not present significant opportunities for appreciation, as evidenced by the lack of data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM), it still offers a solid foundation for long-term investment. The 4.6% renter share suggests a modest rental market, but the median income of $154,091 implies that there is financial stability among residents, which can translate into lower risk of default on rental payments.
In summary, ZIP 03586 should be considered an essential part of a Section 8 portfolio as a cash-flow anchor due to the favorable rent differential between FMR and market rates. Landlords can leverage this ZIP code to secure consistent income, benefiting from the higher rental subsidies compared to the actual market conditions. This approach allows investors to focus on areas where the primary goal is to generate predictable cash flow rather than seeking rapid property value increases or broad diversification across different types of renters.
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.