Location: New Haven, CT | Metro: New Haven, 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 | $1,800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,340 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,910 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,280 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,805 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,262 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,603 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,833 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,950 | $286,511 | 0.68% | D |
| 2BR | $2,340 | $495,016 | 0.47% | F |
| 3BR | $2,910 | $611,056 | 0.48% | F |
| 4BR | $3,280 | $787,608 | 0.42% | F |
| 5BR | $3,805 | $966,213 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To decide whether to invest in ZIP 06437 (Guilford, CT) for Section 8 properties, follow this decision tree:
1) Does FMR $1960 (zip FY 2024) clear debt service on a $614,845 property?
2) Is market rent $1,717 (Census ACS) above, at, or below FMR?
3) Are 16.4% renters + N/A-day days on market (DOM) enough demand?
If the FMR does not cover debt service, the answer is clear: do not purchase a property in ZIP 06437 for Section 8 investment. Even if the market rent is below the FMR, the financial viability remains questionable without sufficient rental demand. In Guilford, where the rental percentage is moderate but DOM data is unavailable, you must conduct further research to determine if the demand is strong enough to support a Section 8 property. Consider speaking with local real estate agents or reviewing recent rental listings to gain a better understanding of the current market conditions.
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.