Location: St. Lawrence County, NY | Metro: St. Lawrence 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $139,989 | 0.72% | D |
| 3BR | $1,210 | $166,880 | 0.73% | D |
| 4BR | $1,340 | $181,871 | 0.74% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 13660, located in Madrid, NY, within the St. Lawrence County, NY metro area, presents itself as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,040, while the market rent stands at $835. This indicates that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can secure higher rental incomes compared to the local market rate, thereby enhancing cash flow.
The median home value in ZIP 13660 is $147,181. Given the disparity between the FMR and the market rent, landlords can achieve a positive spread of $205 per unit, which directly contributes to better financial performance. This spread is significant because it allows landlords to cover operational costs, maintenance, and still generate profit without relying on appreciation or other speculative gains.
The ZIP code's characteristics do not support it being primarily an appreciation play, as there is no data provided on price-cut shares or days on market (DOM), which are key indicators for such strategies. However, it does offer potential as a diversifier due to the 14.0% renter share and a median income of $68,482. These factors suggest that there is a moderate demand for rentals, and the income levels indicate that tenants are likely to be stable and able to meet their obligations.
Despite these diversification benefits, the primary role of ZIP 13660 in a Section 8 portfolio should be viewed through the lens of cash flow. The guaranteed rent via the Section 8 voucher program ensures steady income, which is crucial for maintaining a solid financial foundation. Landlords can leverage this stability to manage other parts of their investment portfolios more effectively.
To summarize, ZIP 13660 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. With a clear and substantial spread between the FMR and market rent, it offers predictable and reliable returns. While it also provides some diversification benefits, the cash-flow stability it offers is the most compelling reason for inclusion in a Section 8 investment strategy.
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.