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 | $1,130 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,140 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,984 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,222 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,400 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,300 | $293,155 | 0.44% | F |
| 3BR | $1,560 | $375,877 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $1,710 | $470,436 | 0.36% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 12125, New Lebanon, NY, is set at $1,220 for the metro area fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the payment standard used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Section 8 program, which means it's the maximum amount HUD will pay towards your tenant's rent. It does not represent the total rent you can charge; it's the cap on the subsidy portion.
In comparison, the average rent for the area, according to Census ACS data, is $960. This indicates that the FMR is higher than the typical market rate, potentially providing a buffer for landlords who might be concerned about covering their costs.
About 19.8% of residents in the area are renters. This suggests there is a moderate level of demand for rental properties, but it also means competition among landlords could be present. However, with the Section 8 program, you have a reliable source of income through the government subsidy, which can help ensure consistent payments even if the overall demand isn't high.
If you're looking to acquire a property in this area for your first Section 8 rental, the median home value is around $380,540. This figure reflects the potential investment cost and should be considered alongside the FMR and local rent averages when determining the feasibility of your investment.
Before proceeding, verify that the property meets all the necessary eligibility requirements for the Section 8 program, including safety, health, and decent condition standards. This ensures that you won't face any unexpected rejections or delays in securing a tenant through the program.
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.