Location: Allegany County, 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 | $1,010 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,140 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,443 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,638 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,770 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,420 | $163,362 | 0.87% | C |
| 3BR | $1,710 | $207,822 | 0.82% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 14836 in Dalton, NY, investing in Section 8 properties presents several challenges that must be carefully considered. First, tenant turnover can be a significant issue. The market rent stands at $1,108, while the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,160. This discrepancy may lead to frequent changes in tenants as some may struggle to meet the higher FMR without substantial financial assistance.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The Days on Market (DOM) for rental properties in this area is not available, which makes it difficult to predict how long a property might remain vacant. A prolonged vacancy period can significantly impact cash flow and profitability.
The deferred-maintenance exposure is also notable. With a typical home value of $164,700 and a median income of $74,130, homeowners in Dalton may find it challenging to keep up with maintenance costs, particularly if they rely heavily on rental income. This could result in properties that require more upkeep than initially anticipated, leading to unexpected expenses for landlords.
However, these risks are balanced by a high concentration of renters in the area. The renter share is 7.8%, indicating a substantial demand for rental housing. High renter density often translates into a greater number of voucher holders seeking affordable housing options, thereby increasing the likelihood of finding qualified tenants who can consistently pay their rent through Section 8 vouchers.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.