Section 8 rent in Lowell, MA

Q: What is a Small Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR)?

SAFMRs are HUD fair market rents published at the ZIP code level rather than one rate per metro area. Housing choice voucher payment standards in this market are based on these ZIP-level rates.

FY2025 HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents for the Lowell, MA HUD Metro FMR Area, covering 26 ZIP codes.

$2,630Avg 2BR FMR / mo

$2,893Avg 2BR at 110% Standard

26ZIP Codes

Fair market rent by bedroom count

Base SAFMR across all ZIP codes in this market. Housing authorities may set payment standards between 90% and 110% of these rates.

Bedrooms	Lowest ZIP	Average	Highest ZIP	Avg 110% Standard
Studio	$1,370	$1,887	$2,690	$2,076
1 Bedroom	$1,520	$2,063	$2,840	$2,269
2 Bedrooms	$2,000	$2,630	$3,370	$2,893
3 Bedrooms	$2,410	$3,169	$4,060	$3,486
4 Bedrooms	$2,650	$3,488	$4,470	$3,837

Small multifamily Section 8 income

Estimated gross monthly and annual rent for 2-to-4 unit properties, assuming every unit is rented to Section 8 at this market's average fair market rent. Small multifamily is a favorite for long-term buy-and-hold investors stacking stable voucher income across multiple doors.

Property Type	Unit Mix	Gross Monthly Rent	Gross Annual Rent
Duplex	2 × 2BR	$5,260	$63,120
Triplex	3 × 2BR	$7,890	$94,680
Fourplex	4 × 2BR	$10,520	$126,240
Fourplex	4 × 3BR	$12,676	$152,112

Gross scheduled rent before vacancy, maintenance and management. Run any Massachusetts multifamily listing through RealG to model it against real operating costs, or try the rental property calculator.

Highest-paying ZIP codes

Top 15 of 26 ZIP codes in this market, ranked by 2-bedroom SAFMR.

ZIP Code	1BR	2BR	3BR	4BR
01887	$2,840	$3,370	$4,060	$4,470
01886	$2,560	$3,360	$4,050	$4,450
01876	$2,480	$3,250	$3,920	$4,310
01730	$2,730	$3,230	$3,890	$4,280
01472	$2,160	$2,840	$3,420	$3,770
01822	$2,160	$2,840	$3,420	$3,770
01853	$2,160	$2,840	$3,420	$3,770
01865	$2,160	$2,840	$3,420	$3,770
01866	$2,160	$2,840	$3,420	$3,770
01824	$2,140	$2,800	$3,370	$3,710
01821	$2,140	$2,770	$3,340	$3,670
01827	$2,010	$2,640	$3,180	$3,500
01810	$1,970	$2,580	$3,110	$3,420
01432	$2,140	$2,550	$3,080	$3,390
01450	$2,140	$2,550	$3,080	$3,390

Quick cash flow check

Free Tool

Estimate monthly cash flow renting to Section 8 at this market's average fair market rent.

Purchase price Down payment % Interest rate % Bedrooms

Section 8 rent (avg FMR)—

Est. mortgage payment (PITI)—

Est. monthly cash flow—

30-year fixed. Taxes and insurance estimated at 1.5% and 0.5% of price per year. Before vacancy, maintenance and management. For a full itemized analysis, run this market in RealG.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does Section 8 pay for a 2-bedroom in Lowell, MA?

For FY2025, the average 2-bedroom Small Area Fair Market Rent in the Lowell, MA HUD Metro FMR Area is $2,630 per month, ranging from $2,000 to $3,370 depending on ZIP code. Local housing authorities may set payment standards between 90% and 110% of these rates, so the average 2-bedroom payment standard can reach $2,893.

What is a Small Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR)?

SAFMRs are fair market rents that HUD publishes at the ZIP code level instead of one rate for a whole metro area. They reflect what modest rental housing actually costs in each ZIP, which means higher payment standards in more expensive neighborhoods. Housing choice voucher payments in this market are based on these rates.

Why do rents vary so much between ZIP codes here?

In Lowell, MA, 2-bedroom SAFMRs run from $2,000 to $3,370 per month. HUD sets each ZIP's rate from local rent data, so neighborhoods with stronger rental markets get higher voucher payment standards. For investors, the spread matters: the same house price can produce very different Section 8 rents a few ZIP codes apart.

How do I find Section 8 investment properties in Massachusetts?

RealG searches live listings across Massachusetts, runs Section 8 numbers on every property using these HUD rates, and grades each deal A through D against your buying criteria. You can start free with no credit card and see graded deals in this market in minutes.

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