Location: Coos County, NH | Metro: Coos 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 | $1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,299 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,483 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,607 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,050 | $172,191 | 0.61% | D |
| 2BR | $1,340 | $293,246 | 0.46% | F |
| 3BR | $1,770 | $381,075 | 0.46% | F |
| 4BR | $1,770 | $397,682 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of the Section 8 program in ZIP code 03592, which encompasses Pittsburg, NH, reveals a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. For fiscal year 2026, the FMR stands at $1,480, while the Census ACS indicates that the average market rent is $1,042. This means there is a difference of $438 per month, or approximately 42%, between what landlords could potentially charge under the Section 8 voucher program and the prevailing rental rates.
Given that the FMR exceeds the market rent, it makes Pittsburg, NH an attractive location for landlords looking to maximize their yields. Voucher tenants provide a guaranteed source of income that is higher than what most open-market renters would pay. The 11.3% of residents who are renters and the median income of $61,094 suggest that there is a segment of the population that can benefit from this subsidy, while landlords can secure a stable and above-average monthly rent.
However, the high median home value of $286,517 might indicate that the local property market is skewed towards homeownership, which could limit the pool of available rental properties. Landlords should consider the potential for converting homes into rental units, especially those that are underutilized or vacant, to take advantage of the higher FMR rates.
The gap also implies that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can achieve a better cash flow compared to renting at market rates. This can be particularly beneficial for small-portfolio investors seeking to optimize returns. It's important to note that the financial benefits come with administrative requirements and the need to comply with HUD standards, but the higher rent payments can offset these costs and enhance profitability.
In summary, the disparity between the FMR and the actual market rent in Pittsburg, NH presents a compelling opportunity for landlords and investors to improve their yields through the Section 8 program. The voucher system allows for rents that are significantly higher than the current market rates, making it a strategic choice for maximizing income in this specific zip code.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.