Location: Trenton-Princeton, NJ | Metro: Trenton-Princeton, NJ 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 | $1,650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,370 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,900 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,260 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,782 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,236 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,575 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,804 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,370 | $338,101 | 0.7% | D |
| 3BR | $2,900 | $455,838 | 0.64% | D |
| 4BR | $3,260 | $521,189 | 0.63% | D |
| 5BR | $3,782 | $634,664 | 0.6% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP code 08619 in Trenton, NJ, reveals a market that offers a balance between yield and stability, making it neither a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market nor a purely steady-cashflow zone. The key figures to consider include the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $2,110 for fiscal year 2024, the average market rent at $2,461, and the median home value of $428,485.
The FMR is significantly lower than the market rent, indicating a potential opportunity for higher rental yields. However, the median home value suggests that the property costs in this area are relatively high, which can reduce overall profitability if not managed carefully. For instance, an investor could expect to charge around $2,461 per month in rent, but the initial investment required to purchase a property would be substantial, given the median home value.
In terms of stability, the ZIP code has a 30.0% rate of renters, which is moderately low. This figure implies that there might be competition among landlords for tenants, potentially affecting vacancy rates and rental income consistency. Additionally, the average household income in the area is $105,946, which supports the ability of residents to afford higher rents. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) indicates uncertainty about how quickly properties can be rented out or vacated, adding a layer of risk to the investment.
To summarize, ZIP 08619 presents a scenario where the rental market offers a moderate yield, driven by the gap between FMR and market rent. Stability is compromised by the relatively low percentage of renters and the absence of DOM data, although the income level provides some assurance of tenant reliability. Therefore, this area is best classified as a market that offers a reasonable yield with some inherent instability, suitable for investors willing to manage these risks.
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.