Location: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA | Metro: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 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 | $1,500 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,620 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,958 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,313 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,578 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,757 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,620 | $198,810 | 0.81% | C |
| 2BR | $1,940 | $409,293 | 0.47% | F |
| 3BR | $2,310 | $529,142 | 0.44% | F |
| 4BR | $2,550 | $716,416 | 0.36% | F |
| 5BR | $2,958 | $846,105 | 0.35% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To determine if you should invest in ZIP 08055 (Medford Township, NJ) for Section 8 properties, follow this decision tree:
Step 1: Does the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $2060 cover the debt service on a $606,645 property?
Step 2: Compare the market rent of $1,629 (from Census ACS) to the FMR.
Step 3: Evaluate the demand for rental properties. In ZIP 08055, 11.6% of residents are renters and the days on market (DOM) average is 24 days.
In summary, while the FMR of $2060 does not clear the debt service on a $606,645 property, the market rent being below this figure means Section 8 tenants might pay more than other renters. The demand for rentals is modest but efficient, with quick leasing times. Therefore, purchasing in ZIP 08055 for Section 8 is only advisable if you can find properties priced significantly below the median value, ensuring the FMR covers the debt service, and you are willing to actively manage your portfolio to take advantage of the quick leasing period.
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.