Location: Albany-Schenectady-Troy, 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: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,540 | $221,851 | 0.69% | D |
| 3BR | $1,840 | $267,975 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $2,030 | $298,912 | 0.68% | D |
| 5BR | $2,355 | $313,393 | 0.75% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 12304 in Schenectady, NY, is characterized by a significant renter population, with 40.4% of residents being tenants. This indicates that it is a renter-heavy area, likely to have a robust demand for rental properties. Given the median household income of $69,235, the typical market rent of $1,100 represents approximately 18.7% of the average monthly income. This percentage is calculated by dividing the annual median income by 12 to find the monthly income, then dividing the rent by the monthly income and multiplying by 100 to get the percentage.
To put this into perspective, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 in this ZIP code is set at $1,260, which is slightly higher than the current market rent. This suggests that there could be some flexibility for landlords to adjust their rents upwards, but it also implies that many potential tenants might be relying on housing vouchers to bridge the gap between their income and the cost of renting.
A landlord in this area should expect a tenant profile that includes individuals and families who rely heavily on Section 8 vouchers. The disparity between the median income and the FMR indicates a need for subsidies to make housing affordable. Landlords will likely encounter tenants whose rent contributions are capped at 30% of their adjusted income, meaning they may require additional support to cover the remaining rent costs.
In conclusion, ZIP 12304 is an area with a substantial number of renters, and landlords should anticipate a high demand for Section 8 vouchers. With the median income at $69,235, typical market rents consume nearly 19% of the average monthly income, making the use of housing vouchers a common necessity for tenants to afford accommodation.
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.