Location: Otsego County, NY | Metro: Delaware 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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,140 | $159,496 | 0.71% | D |
| 3BR | $1,400 | $187,602 | 0.75% | D |
| 4BR | $1,540 | $219,822 | 0.7% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP 13849 (Unadilla, NY) hinges on the balance between its yield potential and market stability. On the yield axis, the metro Fair Market Rent (FMR) for 2026 stands at $1,130, while the market rent is significantly lower at $857. This discrepancy suggests that there is room for improvement in rental pricing, potentially increasing cash flow for landlords who can negotiate higher rents. However, the median home value of $171,974 indicates that the area is relatively affordable, which might attract buyers rather than renters, thus affecting long-term rental yields.
Moving to the stability axis, Unadilla's rental market is characterized by a modest 18.2% of residents being renters. The lack of data on days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to assess how quickly properties turn over, but the average household income of $57,917 suggests that tenants may have limited financial flexibility, which could impact their ability to pay rent increases or cover unexpected expenses.
Given these factors, ZIP 13849 leans towards being a steady-cashflow zone. While the potential for higher rents exists due to the gap between the FMR and market rent, the low percentage of renters and modest household incomes indicate that the market may not support frequent price adjustments without risking tenant turnover. Additionally, the affordable median home value could attract more buyers than renters, further stabilizing the rental market but also limiting the upside for aggressive rent hikes.
To conclude, landlords and small-portfolio investors should focus on maintaining stable occupancy rates and moderate rent increases, rather than seeking high-yield returns typical of flip-style markets. This approach aligns with the characteristics of a steady-cashflow zone, where predictability and consistency are key.
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.