Location: Greene County, NY | Metro: Kingston, 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 | $1,180 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,250 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,220 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,575 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,115 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,271 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,250 | $232,858 | 0.54% | F |
| 2BR | $1,640 | $276,990 | 0.59% | F |
| 3BR | $2,030 | $350,861 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $2,220 | $416,301 | 0.53% | F |
| 5BR | $2,575 | $538,747 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 12414, located in Catskill, NY within the Greene County, NY metro, has a Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $1700 for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount that a household receiving federal rental assistance can be charged for rent. The market rent for the area stands at $1,892, which is slightly above the FMR but still relatively low compared to other areas.
The median home value in ZIP 12414 is $328,382. This value is indicative of the overall housing market in the area and suggests that it is a mid-tier neighborhood within the Greene County, NY metro. Home values in this range are neither the lowest nor the highest, placing it squarely in the middle of the market spectrum.
A notable feature of ZIP 12414 is its 31.7% renter share. This percentage is higher than average for many ZIP codes in Greene County, indicating a significant portion of the population relies on renting their homes. A high renter share combined with below-average home values can signal a potential sweet spot for Section 8 investments, as there is a strong demand for affordable rental properties.
To provide context, let's compare these figures to typical ZIP codes in Greene County, NY. If the Greene County average FMR is around $1600 and the average market rent is $1,700, then ZIP 12414 is slightly above these averages. However, if the average home value in Greene County is significantly higher, say $400,000, then 12414 would be considered a value pocket within the larger metro area.
If Greene County's average renter share is lower, perhaps around 25%, then the higher renter share in ZIP 12414 further emphasizes its attractiveness for landlords interested in Section 8 tenants. This combination of factors—slightly above average rents, below average home values, and a higher-than-average renter share—makes ZIP 12414 an intriguing option for those looking to invest in a stable, mid-tier rental market with a strong presence of potential Section 8 tenants.
In conclusion, ZIP 12414 appears to be a value pocket within the Greene County, NY metro, offering a balance between moderate rental prices and below-average home values, coupled with a substantial number of renters who may benefit from federal assistance programs. This makes it an attractive location for landlords and small-portfolio investors seeking a steady income stream with manageable investment costs.
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.