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 | $1,780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,340 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,170 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,230 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,747 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,197 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,533 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,760 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $3,170 | $1,007,393 | 0.31% | F |
| 4BR | $3,230 | $1,353,436 | 0.24% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 thesis in ZIP 03750, Etna, NH, is built upon the discrepancy between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. The FMR for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $2,600, whereas the current market rent remains unspecified, suggesting a potential gap that could be significant.
In the broader context of New Hampshire, only 2.7% of the population are renters, indicating a primarily owner-occupied market. The median home value in this area is $1,026,274, and the median household income is $250,001. These figures suggest a high-end residential market where rental properties are likely to command premium rates.
If the FMR exceeds the market rent, it means voucher tenants can help landlords achieve a higher yield on their investments. This scenario would allow landlords to receive government subsidies that cover the difference between the market rate and the FMR, ensuring a steady cash flow even if the market rent is lower.
However, if the FMR is below the market rent, landlords will have to accept lower rates from voucher tenants. In such a case, the disparity could amount to a substantial financial burden. For example, if the market rent were hypothetically $3,000, the landlord would face a $400 shortfall per month, or roughly 15.4%, compared to the market rate. This shortfall could impact profitability and investment returns.
To accurately assess the situation, further research into the current market rent for ZIP 03750 is necessary. Given the limited availability of specific market rent data, a direct comparison cannot be made without additional information. However, the high median home values and incomes indicate a robust local economy that could support higher rental rates.
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.