Location: Otsego County, NY | Metro: Otsego 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 | $980 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,100 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,890 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,192 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,455 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,651 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,784 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,410 | $300,370 | 0.47% | F |
| 3BR | $1,680 | $394,023 | 0.43% | F |
| 4BR | $1,890 | $506,664 | 0.37% | F |
| 5BR | $2,192 | $633,075 | 0.35% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 13326, located in Cooperstown, NY, offers insights into its position within the Otsego County, NY metro area. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,440 for fiscal year 2026, it's important to note that this figure represents the federally established threshold for rental affordability. The actual market rent in ZIP 13326 stands at $1,184, indicating that rental properties here are priced slightly below the FMR. This suggests a potential value pocket for landlords and investors looking for areas where the rental income is competitive yet below the federal guidelines.
The median home value in ZIP 13326 is $382,225, which places it within the mid-tier range when compared to typical ZIP codes in Otsego County, NY. This makes it neither the most nor the least expensive area within the county, offering a balanced investment opportunity for those interested in residential property.
A significant factor in evaluating ZIP 13326 is its 25.6% renter share. This percentage is higher than many other ZIP codes in the area, signaling a substantial demand for rental properties. Given the below-FMR market rent and the relatively moderate home values, this ZIP code could be considered a sweet spot for Section 8 investments. It aligns well with the strategy of targeting neighborhoods with a high concentration of renters and lower home values, which often indicates a strong reliance on government assistance programs for housing.
To summarize, ZIP 13326 presents itself as a mid-tier neighborhood within the Otsego County, NY metro, with a notable advantage in its below-FMR market rent and higher-than-average renter share. These characteristics make it an attractive option for landlords and small-portfolio investors seeking opportunities within the Section 8 program framework.
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.