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 | $1,500 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,510 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,980 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,680 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,155 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,534 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,817 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,008 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,980 | $475,024 | 0.42% | F |
| 3BR | $2,680 | $744,423 | 0.36% | F |
| 4BR | $2,720 | $1,030,565 | 0.26% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Lyme, NH, located in Grafton County, stands out among other ZIP codes due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a population of 1,710 residents, Lyme has a relatively low rental rate of 19.5%, indicating that most residents own their homes. The median income of $133,906 is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting the affluent nature of the community. Additionally, the median home value of $653,452 underscores the high cost of homeownership in this area.
The voucher economics in ZIP 03768 are particularly interesting. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $2,190, which is notably higher than the actual market rent of $1,418 reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). This discrepancy suggests that landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers could potentially benefit from a higher rental subsidy compared to the local market rates. However, it also implies that the demand for affordable housing might be lower in Lyme, given the overall affluence and higher home values.
Based on the data signature, Lyme appears to be a stable ZIP code. Its high median income and home values indicate a strong local economy with little sign of rapid change. The low rental rate further supports this stability, as it suggests that the majority of residents are long-term homeowners rather than transient renters. While the voucher economics present an opportunity for landlords, the overall picture of Lyme points towards a community that is well-established and unlikely to undergo significant transitional shifts in the near future.
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.