Location: Northwest Hills Planning Region, CT | Metro: Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT MSA
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 | $1,230 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,410 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,110 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,703 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,269 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,432 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,770 | $282,836 | 0.63% | D |
| 3BR | $2,110 | $461,405 | 0.46% | F |
| 4BR | $2,330 | $674,484 | 0.35% | F |
| 5BR | $2,703 | $784,215 | 0.34% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors targeting ZIP code 06085 in Farmington, Connecticut reveals a favorable rental environment. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) as determined by HUD for ZIP 06085 for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,650. This figure is notably higher than the market rent average reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), which stands at $1,207.
Voucher tenants in this area can cashflow comfortably at the HUD FMR rate. This means that landlords who participate in the Section 8 program can expect steady income without subsidizing rents. The difference between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent suggests that there is a significant margin for landlords, allowing them to cover their expenses and generate profit.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in ZIP 06085, which is $472,350. Using this figure, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio. With an average market rent of $1,207, the annual rent would be approximately $14,484. Dividing this by the median home value gives us a rent-to-price ratio of about 3%. This low ratio indicates that the property values are relatively high compared to the rents, which can be beneficial for buy-and-hold investors seeking long-term appreciation.
Note that the data does not provide specific information on the median days on market (DOM) or the percentage of price cuts required to sell homes. However, given the strong cashflow potential and the possibility of long-term appreciation, these factors are less critical for the primary focus of Section 8 investors.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 06085 is cashflow. Given the disparity between the HUD FMR and the market rent, landlords can expect consistent and profitable returns from Section 8 tenants without the need for premium units.
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.