Location: Montgomery County, NY | Metro: Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY MSA
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 | $1,100 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,280 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,840 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,355 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,638 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,849 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,991 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,840 | $299,660 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market in ZIP code 12160 presents a dynamic equilibrium between supply and demand, with specific insights gleaned from the latest data points. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1230 for fiscal year 2024, while the actual market rent, as reported by the Census ACS, stands slightly higher at $1,289. This suggests that the rental market is closely aligned with government benchmarks but has a slight upward pressure, indicative of demand keeping pace with supply.
A key metric in assessing the rental market's health is the renter share, which is currently at 22.4%. This percentage implies that a significant portion of the population in 12160 is renting rather than owning their homes. Given the median home value of $281,718, it is reasonable to infer that affordability challenges are pushing many towards the rental market. As a result, long-term housing pressure remains a critical issue, with the rental sector likely to continue experiencing steady demand.
The absence of specific data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM) indicates a lack of volatility in the rental market, suggesting that landlords are generally setting rents at competitive levels without needing to frequently adjust them. This stability can be advantageous for small-portfolio investors looking to maintain consistent cash flows.
In summary, ZIP 12160 is a market where demand is robust enough to support rental prices slightly above the FMR, yet the high renter share points to ongoing housing affordability concerns. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, this means an environment where rental properties will remain in demand, though careful attention to pricing and property management is necessary to ensure competitiveness and profitability.
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.