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 | $1,540 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,690 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,060 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,967 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,443 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,798 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,038 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,210 | $436,159 | 0.51% | F |
| 3BR | $3,060 | $558,886 | 0.55% | F |
| 4BR | $3,420 | $707,080 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls of investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP code 03781, located in Plainfield, NH, are significant. Firstly, tenant turnover poses a substantial challenge. With the market rent at $1,604 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area set at $2,450 for FY 2026, landlords might experience higher turnover rates as tenants seek to maximize their housing assistance benefits. This discrepancy can lead to frequent property turnovers, increasing costs and administrative burdens.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The average days on market (DOM) for rental listings is not available, which suggests that there may be periods where properties remain vacant. During these times, landlords will incur expenses without any rental income, leading to financial strain. Additionally, the deferred maintenance exposure is noteworthy. Given the typical home value of $524,589 and a median household income of $109,659, landlords must prepare for the possibility of requiring additional funds for maintenance and repairs that may not be covered by the Section 8 program.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the high renter share of 13.5%. A higher proportion of renters in the area typically translates to a greater demand for housing vouchers, making it easier to find qualified tenants. This demand can help stabilize occupancy rates and reduce the likelihood of prolonged vacancies.
In summary, the investment in Section 8 properties in ZIP 03781 presents a moderate risk for first-time Section 8 landlords due to the combination of potential challenges and opportunities.
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.