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 | $1,210 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,310 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,060 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,390 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,677 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,891 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,036 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,570 | $126,306 | 1.24% | A |
| 3BR | $1,870 | $151,443 | 1.23% | A |
| 4BR | $2,060 | $186,693 | 1.1% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 08103 (Camden, NJ) is nearly balanced. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1530, which closely aligns with the market rent of $1550 as indicated by the Zillow Observed Rental Index (ZORI). This suggests that landlords can expect to charge rents that are slightly above the FMR without significant difficulty.
Acquisition in ZIP 08103 is relatively affordable. The median home value stands at $128,652, making it a cost-effective area for purchasing rental properties. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the low percentage of price-cut share (0.1%) indicates that the housing market may be stable but not particularly active. This stability can be beneficial for long-term investments, ensuring that property values remain consistent without the volatility seen in more active markets.
Tenant demand in ZIP 08103 is strong. With a total population of 12,573, and 65.2% of residents being renters, there is a substantial pool of potential tenants. This high renter share ensures a steady demand for rental properties, reducing the risk of vacancies.
Overall, ZIP 08103 presents a viable investment opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The rent math is favorable, with market rents just above the FMR, indicating a healthy balance between what tenants can afford and what landlords can charge. Acquisition costs are reasonable, and while the market is stable, the high renter share guarantees a robust tenant demand. These factors collectively suggest that Camden, NJ, is a solid choice for real estate investment within the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA metro area.
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.