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 | $1,110 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,220 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,170 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,170 | $879,566 | 0.25% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 03853, which includes the town of Northfield, Vermont, is set at $1,710 for the fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers, meaning that if you participate in the program, you will receive this amount per month from the government to cover rent for eligible tenants.
In contrast, the average rent for the area, based on Census ACS data, is approximately $1,363. This indicates that participating in Section 8 could potentially provide higher income compared to the local market rate.
The renter share in this area stands at 14.1%, suggesting there is a modest but steady demand for rental properties. While this percentage might seem low, it translates into a significant number of potential tenants who could benefit from and utilize Section 8 vouchers.
When considering the acquisition cost of a property in this ZIP code, the median home value is around $865,325. This is a substantial investment, but when paired with the higher guaranteed income from Section 8, it can be a strategic move for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to stabilize cash flow and mitigate risks associated with vacancy.
Before proceeding with a Section 8 rental, ensure that your property meets all local housing quality standards known as Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards are essential because they determine whether your property is eligible for the program. Verification of these standards is critical and should be done through official channels to avoid any complications later.
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.