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 | $1,820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,980 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,360 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,810 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,100 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,596 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,028 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,350 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,568 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,360 | $354,430 | 0.67% | D |
| 3BR | $2,810 | $392,928 | 0.72% | D |
| 4BR | $3,100 | $603,397 | 0.51% | F |
| 5BR | $3,596 | $699,996 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 08085, located in Swedesboro, NJ, is part of the larger Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA. To understand its position within the metro, let's analyze the specific figures provided: the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 08085 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $2400, while the average market rent stands at $1,811. The median home value in this area is $474,734, and 17.2% of residents are renters.
Compared to typical ZIP codes within the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA, ZIP 08085 exhibits characteristics that suggest it could be considered a mid-tier neighborhood. The FMR of $2400 is higher than the market rent of $1,811, indicating that the government sets rental prices slightly above what the market naturally dictates. This is a common scenario in many neighborhoods across the country, especially where there is a mix of subsidized housing and market-rate rentals.
The median home value of $474,734 is indicative of a middle-class area. It's neither excessively expensive, which would mark it as a premium sub-market, nor notably affordable, which would classify it as a value pocket. However, the renter share of 17.2% diverges significantly from the typical pattern seen in most ZIP codes within the MSA. A higher-than-average renter share can signal a greater demand for rental properties, which is particularly relevant for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The combination of a below-median home value with a relatively high renter share suggests that ZIP 08085 might be attractive for Section 8 investors. High renter share percentages often indicate a higher concentration of tenants eligible for Section 8 housing assistance, which can stabilize rental income and reduce vacancy rates. While we cannot definitively state that this makes 08085 a 'sweet spot' without additional data on the number of active Section 8 vouchers and their utilization rate, the figures provided do point towards potential opportunities for investors focused on subsidized housing.
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.