Location: Nassau-Suffolk, NY | Metro: Nassau-Suffolk, NY HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $2,450 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,350 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,301 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,937 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $6,412 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,733 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $3,350 | $689,323 | 0.49% | F |
| 3BR | $4,310 | $828,236 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $4,570 | $992,039 | 0.46% | F |
| 5BR | $5,301 | $1,124,907 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 11566, Merrick, NY, has a population of 34,741 residents, with only 4.0% being renters. This indicates that the area is predominantly a homeowner-dominated region rather than a renter-heavy zone. The low percentage of renters suggests that the demand for housing vouchers under the Section 8 program will be relatively limited. Landlords in this area should not anticipate a large influx of tenants seeking Section 8 vouchers.
The median household income in Merrick is $177,079, which is significantly higher than the national average. Given the market rent of $2,913, this represents approximately 16.5% of the median income. In comparison, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $2,960 for the ZIP code. The FMR is slightly above the market rent, indicating that while rental costs are high, they are still within the range supported by the local income levels.
A landlord in Merrick should expect tenants who can afford the high cost of living. Due to the high median income, most tenants will likely be able to cover their rent without relying on housing vouchers. However, those who do seek Section 8 vouchers will have to navigate a competitive landscape due to the limited availability of such assistance in a primarily owner-occupied area.
To summarize, Merrick, NY, is not an ideal location for landlords looking to attract a large number of Section 8 tenants. The area's high median income and low percentage of renters mean that typical tenants will be financially stable and capable of paying market rents without government subsidies. Landlords should focus on attracting these independent renters and prepare for a smaller pool of potential voucher holders.
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.