Location: Northwest Hills Planning Region, CT | Metro: Waterbury-Shelton, 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 | $1,130 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,310 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,990 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,726 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,297 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,462 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,610 | $247,200 | 0.65% | D |
| 3BR | $1,990 | $374,150 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $2,350 | $436,157 | 0.54% | F |
| 5BR | $2,726 | $452,141 | 0.6% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 06787, located in Thomaston, Connecticut, within the Northwest Hills Planning Region and part of the larger CT metro area, serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This classification is based on the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD for the CT metro area, which stands at $1,490 for fiscal year 2026, and the actual market rent in ZIP 06787, which is $1,037. This difference allows landlords to secure higher rents through Section 8 vouchers compared to what they could charge in the open market.
The median home value in ZIP 06787 is $342,389, indicating that the area is primarily composed of owner-occupied homes rather than rentals. However, the presence of a 22.3% renter share provides a sufficient tenant pool for landlords interested in Section 8 properties. Additionally, the median income of $103,102 suggests that residents have the financial stability to maintain timely rental payments, reducing the risk of delinquency or vacancy.
To further illustrate why ZIP 06787 is a strong cash-flow anchor, consider the following points:
In conclusion, ZIP 06787 offers a solid foundation for a Section 8 portfolio due to its favorable cash-flow characteristics. The substantial gap between the FMR and market rent, combined with the economic stability of its residents, makes it a reliable choice for landlords seeking steady income streams.
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.