Location: Carroll County, NH | Metro: Carroll 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 | $1,130 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,210 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,120 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,970 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,326 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,592 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,772 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,210 | $259,819 | 0.47% | F |
| 2BR | $1,540 | $384,239 | 0.4% | F |
| 3BR | $2,120 | $528,941 | 0.4% | F |
| 4BR | $2,560 | $722,305 | 0.35% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 03812, located in Livermore, NH, within the Carroll County, NH metro area, reveals several key points regarding its viability for Section 8 real-estate investment.
Firstly, the rent math does not work favorably. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,690. However, the market rent for the specific ZIP code is not available, making it impossible to determine if the FMR aligns with actual market conditions. This uncertainty can pose a risk for landlords and small-portfolio investors who need to rely on accurate rental income projections.
Secondly, acquisition affordability is questionable. With a median home value of $445,474, purchasing properties in this ZIP code requires a significant financial commitment. Unfortunately, the average days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut are also not available. Without these metrics, assessing the competitiveness of the real estate market and the likelihood of finding undervalued properties is challenging.
Lastly, there is minimal tenant demand. The ZIP code has a population of 1,116, but the renter share is reported as 0.0%. This indicates that virtually all residents own their homes, leaving little room for rental growth, especially for Section 8 tenants. Such low demand could result in prolonged vacancy periods, impacting cash flow negatively.
In summary, ZIP code 03812 presents unfavorable conditions for Section 8 real-estate investment. The lack of specific market rent data complicates rent calculations, while the high median home value and absence of relevant sales data suggest limited opportunities for affordable acquisitions. Furthermore, the near-zero renter share signals weak tenant demand, which is critical for sustaining rental operations. These factors collectively point to a less attractive investment environment for Section 8-focused landlords and small-portfolio investors.
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.