Location: St. Lawrence County, NY | Metro: Franklin 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 | $840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,371 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,470 | $150,859 | 0.97% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 12930, located in Dickinson Center, St. Lawrence County, NY, presents an interesting market for Section 8 investors. According to HUD's Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2026, the metro-wide FMR stands at $1,310. In contrast, the Census ACS reports a market rent of $1,167 for the same area. This means that voucher tenants can cashflow at the FMR level, providing a solid financial foundation for landlords.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value of $118,135 in ZIP 12930. The rent-to-price ratio derived from these figures is approximately 11.6%, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This suggests that the property values are stable and provide good long-term holding potential.
Note that the data does not specify the median days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that experience price cuts. However, given the low rent-to-price ratio, it indicates that the rental market is robust and less susceptible to the volatility seen in some other markets. This stability supports the decision to invest in rental properties rather than focusing solely on the appreciation of home values.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 12930 is cashflow. The difference between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent provides a buffer that ensures positive cashflow even when accounting for typical expenses such as maintenance and vacancies.
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.