Location: Sullivan County, NH | Metro: Sullivan 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 | $1,110 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,220 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,180 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,819 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,410 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,581 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,180 | $424,737 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 03601 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,730. This figure is specific to this ZIP code and reflects the maximum amount the federal government will pay landlords who participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program.
To understand how this impacts your rental income, consider the following: the total rent you receive consists of two parts. First, there's the portion covered by the voucher, which is up to $1,730 per month. Second, there's the tenant's contribution, which is typically 30% of their adjusted income. If the tenant's share plus any utility allowances does not reach the $1,730 limit, the government will make up the difference to ensure you receive the full SAFMR amount.
Utility allowances can vary but are designed to cover a reasonable estimate of monthly utility costs. These allowances are added to the tenant's payment if it falls below the SAFMR. For instance, if a tenant is expected to pay $500 towards rent and utilities, and the utility allowance is $200, the government would pay the remaining $1,030 to bring the total to $1,730.
In ZIP 03601, however, the local market rent data is not available, making it difficult to compare the SAFMR to what landlords might charge in the open market. This absence of market rent figures could mean that the SAFMR of $1,730 either aligns closely with or significantly deviates from what tenants are willing to pay without assistance, depending on the actual market conditions.
The reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom apartment under Section 8 in ZIP 03601 depends on the local market dynamics. If the SAFMR of $1,730 exceeds the typical market rent, landlords may find themselves with a surplus, receiving more than they would in a non-assisted scenario. Conversely, if the local market rents are higher, landlords will experience a reimbursement gap, where the voucher plus tenant contribution falls short of the market rate, resulting in lower overall rental income.
To summarize, participating in Section 8 in ZIP 03601 guarantees landlords a consistent rent of $1,730 for a two-bedroom unit, with the government covering the shortfall between the tenant's payment and this amount. However, without specific local market rent data, it's challenging to determine whether this represents a surplus or a gap compared to the broader rental market in this 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.