Location: Columbia County, NY | Metro: Columbia County, NY
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 | $1,200 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,240 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,750 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,443 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,638 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,770 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,430 | $373,143 | 0.38% | F |
| 3BR | $1,750 | $448,020 | 0.39% | F |
| 4BR | $1,880 | $634,581 | 0.3% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 12106, located in Kinderhook, NY, within the Columbia County, NY metro area, presents a unique profile when compared against typical ZIP codes in the region. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for 12106 is set at $1,490 for fiscal year 2026, which is notably higher than the market rent figure of $977. This discrepancy indicates that the government's assessment of rental costs in this area is significantly above what the local market currently charges.
The median home value in 12106 stands at $469,656, which aligns closely with the broader Columbia County average. However, the renter share in this ZIP code is 16.1%, a figure that could suggest a variety of dynamics depending on the context of the entire county. If the overall renter share in Columbia County is lower, then 12106 might be attracting a higher proportion of renters, possibly due to the relatively affordable market rents despite the higher FMR.
Given the data points provided, ZIP code 12106 appears to be a value pocket within its metro area. The significant gap between the FMR and the actual market rent suggests an opportunity for landlords who can leverage the higher FMR to receive Section 8 vouchers without necessarily charging market rates. Additionally, the median home value is in line with the county average, making it a balanced option for both homeowners and investors.
A key point of interest is the divergence between the high renter share and the below-metro FMR. In other ZIP codes with similar characteristics, this has often indicated a sweet spot for Section 8 housing. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should take note of this potential advantage, as it could mean more opportunities to secure tenants through government assistance programs without having to compete with higher-priced areas.
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.