Location: Lawrence, MA | Metro: Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,410 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,560 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,710 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,144 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,521 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,803 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,993 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,560 | $409,804 | 0.38% | F |
| 2BR | $2,050 | $584,718 | 0.35% | F |
| 3BR | $2,450 | $682,945 | 0.36% | F |
| 4BR | $2,710 | $866,396 | 0.31% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 03811, located in Atkinson, NH, falls within the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 03811 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $2340. This figure, alongside the market rent of $1,140, home value of $654,396, and a renter share of 7.4%, provides insight into its position within the broader metro area.
To contextualize, typical ZIP codes within the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area have varying FMRs and market rents, but generally, they reflect a balance between affordable and higher-end housing options. Atkinson's FMR of $2340 is notably higher than its market rent of $1,140, suggesting that the actual rental costs are below the HUD-set threshold. This discrepancy can be indicative of a value pocket where landlords can offer competitive rents while still meeting the needs of low-income renters.
The home value of $654,396 is relatively high compared to the average home values in many other ZIP codes within the metro area. However, the lower market rent of $1,140 contrasts with this elevated home value, potentially indicating a mix of property types where residential homes are more expensive, but there are also affordable rental units available.
The 7.4% renter share is on the lower side, which means that a smaller portion of the population in Atkinson, NH, is renting compared to owning their homes. This suggests that Atkinson leans more towards being a homeowner-centric community rather than a typical rental market within the Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area.
Given the specific figures, ZIP 03811 appears to be a mid-tier neighborhood within the metro area. It offers a balance between moderately priced homes and affordable rents, making it neither a premium sub-market nor a value pocket that would typically attract a larger share of renters. The divergence between high home values and lower market rents does not signal a Section 8 sweet spot due to the low renter share; instead, it points to a diverse housing landscape where both homeownership and rental options coexist.
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.