Location: Rochester, NY | Metro: Rochester, NY MSA
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 | $1,410 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,590 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,980 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,390 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,620 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,039 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,404 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,676 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,860 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,980 | $230,703 | 0.86% | C |
| 3BR | $2,390 | $346,130 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $2,620 | $434,795 | 0.6% | D |
| 5BR | $3,039 | $489,385 | 0.62% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To determine if you should buy in ZIP code 14586 (West Henrietta, NY) for Section 8, follow this decision tree based on the provided data.
1) Does FMR $1800 (zip FY 2024) clear debt service on a $354,740 property?
Yes: The Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1800 is sufficient to cover the debt service on a property priced at $354,740. This indicates that the rental income can meet the mortgage obligations.
No: If the FMR does not cover the debt service, purchasing a property in West Henrietta for Section 8 would be financially unwise. The $1800 FMR is not enough to sustain a property valued at $354,740.
2) Is market rent $1,679 (ZORI) above, at, or below FMR?
Above: If the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) of $1,679 is below the FMR of $1800, then the potential for higher rents under Section 8 exists. This makes the investment more attractive as it allows for competitive pricing.
At: If the ZORI equals the FMR, the market rent aligns perfectly with the government's set rent limit for Section 8. This suggests a balanced scenario where the investment could still be viable but requires careful consideration of other factors.
Below: If the ZORI is below the FMR, which it is at $1,679, this indicates that Section 8 properties could potentially command higher rents than the average market rate. This makes the investment more competitive and attractive.
3) Are 21.8% renters + N/A-day DOM enough demand?
Yes: With 21.8% of the population being renters and the days on market (DOM) being N/A, which often implies low turnover rates or high demand, there is enough tenant demand to support Section 8 investments. This percentage of renters suggests a steady stream of potential tenants.
No: If the percentage of renters is too low or the DOM is high, indicating slow sales or rentals, then demand might not be sufficient. However, with 21.8% renters and no available DOM data, this branch leans towards a positive outcome.
It Depends: In cases where the DOM data is not available, the decision hinges on other factors such as the percentage of renters and the local economy. Given the 21.8% renters, it suggests a reasonable level of demand, but further investigation into the local housing market trends would be necessary.
If all branches point to a yes, then the answer is clear: you should consider buying in ZIP 14586 for Section 8. The data supports a financially sound investment with a competitive edge in rental pricing and sufficient tenant demand.
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.