Location: Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, 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 | $1,320 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,510 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,890 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,888 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,235 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,494 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,669 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,510 | $405,885 | 0.37% | F |
| 2BR | $1,890 | $470,655 | 0.4% | F |
| 3BR | $2,250 | $592,198 | 0.38% | F |
| 4BR | $2,490 | $739,798 | 0.34% | F |
| 5BR | $2,888 | $968,275 | 0.3% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market in ZIP 06498, Westbrook, CT, exhibits a dynamic interplay between rental and homeownership trends. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,650 for the fiscal year 2024, it's clear that the rental sector is positioning itself to meet the needs of tenants seeking affordable housing options. This FMR figure stands slightly above the reported market rent of $1,425 from the Census American Community Survey, suggesting that landlords may have an opportunity to adjust their rents upward to align with government guidelines.
The median home value in the area is $561,718. Given the lack of specific data on the percentage of price cuts and days on market (DOM), we cannot definitively state whether supply outpaces demand or vice versa. However, the gap between the FMR and market rent indicates that there might be a slight imbalance favoring landlords, as they could potentially raise rents without significantly deterring tenants.
A noteworthy aspect of the ZIP code is the 24.4% share of renters. This relatively low percentage suggests that the majority of residents prefer homeownership over renting. Despite this preference, the presence of a significant rental market implies ongoing housing pressures due to affordability and accessibility issues. The high median home value supports the idea that homeownership may be less accessible to some residents, thereby maintaining a steady demand for rental properties.
In summary, ZIP 06498 presents a market where rental prices are currently below the FMR threshold, indicating potential for upward adjustment. The moderate rental share and high median home value suggest a mixed market with both rental and homeownership dynamics at play. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should closely monitor these indicators to understand the evolving landscape and make informed decisions.
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.