Location: Carroll County, NH | Metro: Carroll County, NH
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,080 |
| 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 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis for ZIP 03817 focuses on the significant disparity between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,580 for the fiscal year 2026 and the unreported market rent. This gap highlights the economic dynamics at play, particularly for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
In ZIP 03817, the median household income is reported as $-1, indicating incomplete data. However, the average household income is $85,966, which is lower than the surrounding areas such as Carroll County ($113,348) and Tamworth town ($80,333). This suggests a potentially lower income bracket among residents, making housing voucher tenants a crucial part of the rental market.
The median home value in ZIP 03817 is $317,926, reflecting the overall property value in the area. With 43.7% of the population being renters, there is a substantial demand for affordable housing options.
The FMR of $1,580 is notably higher than the average household income, implying that voucher tenants are essential for maintaining rental yields. For landlords, accepting housing vouchers can stabilize cash flow and ensure occupancy rates remain high. The difference between FMR and average income underscores the necessity for subsidized housing, as many residents would struggle to afford market rents without assistance.
If the market rent were to be determined and found significantly higher than the FMR, landlords who accept voucher tenants would be operating at a discount relative to the open market. This could result in lower profit margins but also ensures a steady stream of reliable tenants. Conversely, if the market rent is lower than the FMR, landlords might see an opportunity to increase their yields by accepting voucher tenants.
The per-capita income in ZIP 03817 is $25,642, further emphasizing the financial challenges faced by residents. Landlords should consider the economic context when deciding whether to participate in the Section 8 program, as it can provide a stable tenant base despite potentially lower rental rates.
To summarize, the gap between the FMR and market rent, coupled with the economic indicators, suggests that voucher tenants are a key component of the rental market in ZIP 03817. Accepting Section 8 vouchers can be a strategic move to maintain occupancy and yield, especially given the lower average household income and the high percentage of renters.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.