Location: Chautauqua County, NY | Metro: Cattaraugus 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 | $970 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,700 | $144,229 | 1.18% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 14726 presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, with the market rent set at $1,063 compared to the Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $1,290 for fiscal year 2026 in the metropolitan area. This gap can lead to higher tenant churn rates as individuals may seek properties that better match their voucher allowances.
Vacancy exposure is another critical issue. The days on market (DOM) figure is currently unavailable, which makes it difficult to predict how long a property might remain vacant between tenants. This uncertainty can translate into financial instability for landlords who rely on steady rental income.
The typical home value in ZIP 14726 stands at $140,193, while the median household income is $55,156. These figures suggest a potential deferred-maintenance risk, as many homeowners may struggle to keep up with repairs and improvements due to limited financial resources. Landlords must be prepared to invest in maintaining properties to ensure they meet housing quality standards.
Despite these risks, the high renter share of 15.4% in ZIP 14726 indicates a robust demand for rental properties, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers. High renter density often correlates with increased competition for affordable housing, leading to higher voucher usage and potentially quicker tenancy turnovers.
A first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 14726 should be aware of the aforementioned risks but also recognize the potential benefits of a dense rental market. With careful management and a focus on property maintenance, the rewards can outweigh the challenges.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.