Location: Dover, DE | Metro: Dover, DE 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 | $1,170 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,726 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,297 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,462 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,480 | $270,335 | 0.55% | F |
| 3BR | $2,040 | $358,057 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $2,350 | $477,372 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP 19953 (Hartly, DE) on the yield and stability axes reveals a moderate cash flow potential with some stability concerns. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,370, which is higher than the local market rent of $1,157. This indicates a relatively good opportunity for rental yields when compared to the actual market rates.
However, the median home value in ZIP 19953 stands at $369,860, which is significantly lower than the average home value of $817,920 mentioned in the income figure. This discrepancy suggests that while there might be a decent yield, the overall stability of the market could be compromised due to potentially lower property values and less robust economic indicators.
The percentage of renters in Hartly is 21.7%, indicating a smaller proportion of the population relies on rental housing. This can affect the demand for rental properties, leading to periods of low occupancy or increased competition among landlords. Additionally, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to assess how quickly properties are typically rented out in this area.
To conclude, ZIP 19953 appears to be neither a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market nor a steady-cashflow zone. Instead, it presents a scenario where landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect moderate yields, but must remain vigilant regarding the potential fluctuations in rental demand and property values. The analysis is driven by the comparison between FMR and market rent, as well as the median home value and the percentage of renters.
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.