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 | $1,830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,150 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,510 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,979 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,456 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,812 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,053 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,150 | $228,845 | 0.94% | C |
| 2BR | $2,510 | $357,611 | 0.7% | D |
| 3BR | $3,230 | $552,303 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $3,430 | $640,312 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 11953, located in Middle Island, NY, is part of the larger Nassau-Suffolk, NY HUD Metro FMR Area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 11953 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $2,470, which is higher than the median market rent of $2,054. This suggests that the area has above-average rental costs compared to other ZIP codes within the same metro region.
The median home value in ZIP 11953 is $497,025, indicating that it falls into the mid-tier range when considering the broader Nassau-Suffolk, NY HUD Metro FMR Area. This value is neither exceptionally high nor low, placing it squarely in the middle of the housing price spectrum within the metro.
The renter share in ZIP 11953 stands at 33.4%, which is notably higher than the typical renter share in the metro area. A higher renter share often correlates with a greater demand for rental properties, making it an attractive location for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to capitalize on rental income.
Inferencing from these figures, ZIP 11953 appears to be a mid-tier neighborhood within the Nassau-Suffolk, NY HUD Metro FMR Area. It is not a premium sub-market due to its median home values, but it also does not qualify as a value pocket because its FMR is above the market rent average. However, the combination of above-average rents and a significantly higher-than-average renter share does signal a potential sweet spot for Section 8 investments. This is particularly true if the local rental market continues to favor renters over homeowners, thus increasing the likelihood of stable tenant populations and consistent rental incomes.
To further analyze whether ZIP 11953 represents a Section 8 value pocket, it would be beneficial to compare its renter share and home values against other ZIP codes with similar characteristics. If 11953 maintains its high renter share while having lower home values relative to other areas, it could indeed be considered a strategic location for Section 8 properties.
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.