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 | $1,600 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,310 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,770 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,060 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,550 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,976 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,294 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,509 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,310 | $469,147 | 0.49% | F |
| 3BR | $2,770 | $609,309 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $3,060 | $730,459 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 03819, part of the Danville, NH, Lawrence, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area, does not align perfectly. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $2,200 for the fiscal year 2024 is slightly higher than the reported market rent of $2,144 based on Census ACS data. This indicates that while landlords can aim for the higher FMR, they might face some resistance from tenants accustomed to lower rates.
Acquisition costs for real estate in this area are notably high, with the median home value at $587,710. However, due to limited data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut, it's challenging to determine if these properties are selling at or near their asking price. This uncertainty means that while purchasing property is expensive, the exact affordability for acquisition cannot be definitively assessed without more current metrics.
Tenant demand in ZIP 03819 is relatively low, given the total population of 4,471 and only a 2.6% renter share. This suggests that the majority of residents are homeowners, which could make finding and retaining tenants more difficult. Landlords should prepare for a potentially competitive environment where attracting renters may require additional effort or incentives.
In summary, while the rent math is close, the slight premium of FMR over market rent requires careful consideration. High acquisition costs are a significant barrier, and the lack of detailed sales performance data complicates investment decisions. With a minimal renter share of 2.6%, securing tenants will likely pose challenges. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, ZIP 03819 presents a mixed picture, favoring those who can afford high entry costs but requiring strategic planning to navigate the lower tenant demand.
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.