Location: Seneca County, NY | Metro: Seneca 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 | $910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,070 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,200 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,552 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,858 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,087 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,241 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,770 | $289,632 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors targeting ZIP code 14860 in Seneca County, New York, reveals a favorable environment for those seeking rental income. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, which is set at $1,230 per month for the fiscal year 2026, significantly exceeds the market rent reported by the Census ACS, which stands at $677 per month. This disparity indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow at FMR, providing a substantial buffer for landlords.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in ZIP 14860, which is $293,865. Using this figure, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio. A typical mortgage payment, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, would be around $1,100-$1,200 based on current interest rates. With an FMR of $1,230, the monthly rent covers the mortgage payment and leaves room for additional expenses such as maintenance and property management. This calculation supports the viability of Section 8 investments in this area, as the rent is sufficient to cover costs and generate profit.
The data does not provide specific figures for median Days on Market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that required price cuts. However, given the significant difference between the HUD FMR and the market rent, it's evident that the demand for rental properties far outweighs supply. This imbalance suggests that the dynamics favor renting over buying, making it a strong investment choice for those focused on generating rental income.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 14860 is cashflow. The combination of high voucher amounts and low market rents ensures that landlords can achieve positive cashflow even with standard units, let alone premium ones. This makes the area particularly attractive for investors looking to secure steady and reliable rental income without the need for extensive renovations or upgrades to command higher rents.
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.