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 | $1,080 |
| 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 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,210 | $280,330 | 0.43% | F |
| 2BR | $1,540 | $355,907 | 0.43% | F |
| 3BR | $2,120 | $459,542 | 0.46% | F |
| 4BR | $2,560 | $513,221 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 03864, located in Ossipee, NH, offers a unique opportunity for investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the Carroll County metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,560 per month. In contrast, the market rent based on Census ACS data is significantly lower at $939 per month. This discrepancy means that voucher tenants can easily cashflow at the HUD FMR, providing a substantial buffer for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $404,167. Using this figure, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.23%. This low ratio suggests that the rental market is undervalued relative to the property values, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in rental properties.
Note that the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that experienced price cuts are not available for this particular ZIP code. However, given the significant gap between HUD FMR and market rent, these metrics are less critical in assessing the immediate cash flow potential of the properties.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 03864 is undoubtedly cashflow. With voucher tenants paying well above the local market rate, investors can expect steady and reliable income streams from their rental investments. This makes Ossipee, NH, a prime location for Section 8 investors seeking to capitalize on the current rent versus buy dynamics.
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.