Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 12959 - 2027

Location: Clinton County, NY | Metro: Clinton County, NY

Investment Score for ZIP 12959

N/A

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,130

Median Price (2BR)

$N/A

1% Rule

Annual Yield

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$880
1 Bedroom	$890
2 Bedrooms	$1,130
3 Bedrooms	$1,350
4 Bedrooms	$1,500
5 Bedrooms	$1,740
6 Bedrooms	$1,949
7 Bedrooms	$2,105
8 Bedrooms	$2,210

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
3BR	$1,350	$203,095	0.66%	D

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

1,627

Median Household Income

$54,981

Housing Units

925

Renter Percentage

2.7%

Occupancy Rate

93.2%

Renter Occupied

The town of East Lyme, Connecticut, represented by ZIP code 12959, is a small coastal community with a strong residential focus. Its proximity to the coast and natural beauty make it an attractive location for both residents and visitors. However, the real estate market here is quite different from larger urban centers, with unique dynamics that impact rental properties and home values.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,130, providing a benchmark for rental pricing in the region.
Market rent data is currently unavailable for ZIP 12959, indicating a lack of comprehensive tracking in this specific locality.
The median home value stands at $178,698, reflecting the affordability of homeownership relative to other parts of Connecticut.
Renters represent only a 2.7% share of the housing market, suggesting a predominantly owner-occupied environment.
The Days on Market (DOM) figure is not available, which could be due to low turnover rates or limited data collection in smaller markets.
The median household income is $54,981, illustrating the economic profile of the area's residents.

Analyzing these data points, it is evident that ZIP 12959 offers a niche opportunity for investors seeking stable, though potentially lower-yield, returns. The low renter share suggests that rental properties might struggle to find tenants, but the affordability of home values and the presence of a defined fair market rent can provide a solid foundation for investment decisions. Investors should consider the potential for long-term appreciation rather than high rental yields, given the characteristics of this market. Additionally, the absence of certain metrics, such as market rent and DOM, indicates a need for thorough local research to fully understand the investment landscape.

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.