Location: Somerset County, PA | Metro: Somerset County, PA
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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,821 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,203 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $159,674 | 0.63% | D |
| 3BR | $1,350 | $203,821 | 0.66% | D |
| 4BR | $1,570 | $178,734 | 0.88% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 15563, Stoystown, PA, are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $970 per month for fiscal year 2026. This SAFMR is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting the unique housing cost dynamics of the area.
In contrast, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit in Stoystown, as reported by the Census ACS, is significantly lower at $646 per month. This discrepancy between the SAFMR and the actual market rent is a key factor in understanding the financial implications for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
A landlord who accepts a Section 8 voucher will receive payment based on the SAFMR, which covers the majority of the rent. The tenant is responsible for paying a portion of the rent themselves, typically around 30% of their income, but it can vary. In ZIP 15563, if the SAFMR is $970, and assuming the tenant's share is $291 (30% of $970), then the government would pay the remaining balance of $679 towards the rent. However, since the local market rent is $646, the landlord effectively receives the full market rent plus an additional $33, making the total reimbursement $679.
The government also provides utility allowances, which can further increase the total amount paid to the landlord. For ZIP 15563, these allowances can range depending on the season and the type of utilities included. If we consider an average utility allowance of $200, the total reimbursement to the landlord increases to $879 per month.
This means that for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 15563, the typical reimbursement gap or surplus is a positive $233 per month ($879 - $646). Landlords can expect to receive more than the local market rent when they accept a Section 8 voucher, thus ensuring a steady and above-market rental income.
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.