Location: Cattaraugus 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 | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,682 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,035 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,137 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,280 | $240,635 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 14729, located in Cattaraugus County, NY metro, serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $970 for fiscal year 2026, which is significantly higher than the local market rent of $840. This creates a positive spread of $130 per unit, ensuring that landlords receive above-market rents through the Section 8 program.
The median home value in ZIP 14729 stands at $213,986, indicating a stable housing market where property values are unlikely to fluctuate drastically. This stability is crucial for long-term investment planning, especially when relying on guaranteed rental income from the government. By anchoring a portion of their portfolio in ZIP 14729, landlords can secure predictable cash flows and mitigate risks associated with volatile rental markets.
Furthermore, the ZIP code has a renter share of 21.1%, suggesting a modest demand for rental properties. However, the median income of $64,276 is sufficient to support the rental payments, making it less likely that tenants will default on their rent. This demographic characteristic further strengthens the case for ZIP 14729 as a reliable cash-flow anchor, as it ensures a steady stream of income without the need for frequent tenant turnover or extensive vacancy periods.
In conclusion, ZIP 14729 offers a compelling opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to stabilize their cash flows. With a guaranteed rental rate that exceeds the market average and a stable economic environment, this ZIP code provides a solid foundation for any Section 8-focused real estate 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.