Location: Waterbury-Shelton, CT | Metro: Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, 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 | $2,270 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,290 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,970 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,740 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,498 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $6,158 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $6,651 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,984 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,750 | $374,028 | 0.74% | D |
| 2BR | $3,290 | $525,111 | 0.63% | D |
| 3BR | $3,970 | $625,386 | 0.63% | D |
| 4BR | $4,740 | $800,597 | 0.59% | F |
| 5BR | $5,498 | $881,034 | 0.62% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 06611, Trumbull, Connecticut, set at $2,950 for fiscal year 2024, represents the maximum amount that a landlord can receive through the Section 8 program. This figure is not the rent you will charge your tenants; it's the payment standard used by the government to determine the subsidy amount for eligible renters.
To put this into perspective, the local market rent, known as the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI), stands at $2,651. This indicates that the FMR is slightly higher than the average rent in the area, which can be advantageous for landlords participating in the Section 8 program. The difference between the FMR and ZORI suggests that landlords might receive a higher subsidy than typical market rents, providing a buffer against potential maintenance costs and vacancy periods.
The 10.3% renter share in Trumbull points to a moderate demand for rental properties. While not indicative of a highly competitive rental market, it does suggest that there is a sufficient number of renters who could benefit from Section 8 assistance. This share translates to a significant portion of the population looking for affordable housing options, making Section 8 participation a viable strategy for filling vacancies.
If you're considering purchasing a property to use as a Section 8 rental, the median home value in Trumbull is around $664,255. This is an important figure when assessing the acquisition cost of a property. Given the higher FMR compared to the local market rent, the Section 8 program can help offset some of the financial risks associated with owning a more expensive property in this area.
Before proceeding with your first Section 8 rental, ensure that you verify the property meets all eligibility requirements, including physical condition and rent limits. This due diligence will prevent any delays in approval and ensure that your investment aligns with both your financial goals and the needs of the local rental market.
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.