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 | $1,410 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,450 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,050 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,564 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,872 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,102 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,257 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,050 | $445,461 | 0.46% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 12513, which is part of a larger metropolitan area, is characterized by a significant portion of its population being renters. With 28.7% of the residents renting their homes, it suggests a moderate demand for rental properties. However, the percentage alone does not fully indicate the depth of voucher demand without further analysis on the distribution of income levels and the number of Section 8 vouchers available.
The median household income in ZIP 12513 is $60,951, which provides a baseline for assessing the affordability of housing in the area. While specific market rent figures are not provided, we can infer that typical rents would likely be lower than the median income, considering the national average where rent typically consumes around 30% of a household's income. Assuming this trend holds, the average rent in 12513 could reasonably be estimated at approximately $1,500 to $1,800 per month, which would represent about 25% to 30% of the median income. This is slightly below the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,560 for FY 2026, indicating that market rents may exceed the FMR in some segments of the ZIP code.
Given the FMR of $1,560, landlords in 12513 should anticipate tenants who are either low-income earners or those who qualify for Section 8 vouchers. The FMR serves as a benchmark for determining the maximum amount of rent assistance that can be provided to eligible families under the Section 8 program. Therefore, tenants using vouchers will have a limit on how much they can pay towards rent, which is typically 30% of their adjusted income plus the voucher subsidy. This means that landlords must ensure their rental rates do not exceed the FMR to attract voucher holders.
In conclusion, while 12513 has a moderate share of renters, the income levels suggest that there could be a mix of tenants who can afford market-rate rents and those who rely on Section 8 vouchers. Landlords should prepare for a tenant profile that includes individuals and families with varying financial situations, ensuring their rental offerings are competitive yet within the constraints of the FMR to effectively participate in the voucher 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.