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 | $1,150 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,270 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,670 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,097 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,469 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,747 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,934 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,640 | $517,244 | 0.32% | F |
| 3BR | $2,270 | $648,947 | 0.35% | F |
| 4BR | $2,670 | $951,022 | 0.28% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Tuftonboro, NH, located in ZIP code 03816, is characterized by a relatively small population of 1,538 residents. This area is predominantly owned, with only 5.3% of the population being renters. The median household income here is notably high at $88,971, reflecting a community where residents have substantial financial stability. The median home value in Tuftonboro is even more impressive, sitting at $568,224, which underscores the affluence of the neighborhood.
When it comes to rental economics, the data presents an interesting contrast. According to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the metro area in fiscal year 2026, the FMR is set at $1,780. However, the actual market rent, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, is significantly lower at $946. This disparity highlights a potential opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors who can leverage the difference between the FMR and the market rent to attract Section 8 tenants.
The hands-off approach to managing properties with Section 8 vouchers may not be ideal in Tuftonboro due to the low percentage of renters and the high median income. Landlords would need to actively engage in property management and possibly invest in value-add strategies to ensure their units remain attractive to both Section 8 tenants and other renters. Given the high median home value and the significant gap between the FMR and market rent, there is potential for hands-on investors to find success through targeted improvements and strategic positioning of their properties.
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.