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 | $1,450 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,500 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,120 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,280 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,645 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,962 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,199 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,359 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,120 | $557,010 | 0.38% | F |
| 4BR | $2,280 | $839,898 | 0.27% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A skeptical investor looking into ZIP code 12136 might raise several concerns regarding the feasibility of investing in the area under Section 8 guidelines. Let's address these points directly with the available data.
Will FMR $1,680 (metro FY 2026) cover the mortgage on a $591,663 home?
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 12136 in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,680. This figure represents the average rental price that Section 8 tenants can be expected to pay. However, the FMR does not directly correlate to the mortgage payment on a $591,663 home. To determine if the FMR covers the mortgage, we need to calculate the monthly mortgage payment based on typical interest rates and loan terms. Without specific details on interest rates and down payments, it's challenging to provide an exact answer. But generally, a mortgage payment on a property valued at $591,663 would likely exceed $1,680, suggesting that the FMR alone might not fully cover the mortgage costs.
Is there enough renter demand at 2.6%?
The percentage of renter-occupied housing units in ZIP 12136 stands at 2.6%. This low percentage indicates a relatively small demand for rental properties in the area. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, this could translate to fewer potential tenants and increased competition among existing rental properties. It's crucial to consider the local economic conditions and the availability of affordable housing options when assessing whether the demand will support a Section 8 investment in this ZIP code.
Will vouchers keep pace with N/A market rents?
The data provided does not include specific information on how well Section 8 vouchers align with the market rents in ZIP 12136. Typically, voucher amounts are adjusted annually based on the FMR and local market conditions. If the FMR is accurately reflecting the cost of living and rental prices in the area, then the vouchers should theoretically cover the necessary rent. However, without detailed data on local rental trends and historical adjustments of voucher amounts, it's difficult to definitively state whether vouchers will keep up with the actual market rents. Investors should monitor local housing market reports and federal updates on voucher adjustments to make informed decisions.
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.