Location: Indiana County, PA | Metro: Clearfield 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 | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,147 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,254 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,400 | $141,326 | 0.99% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate landscape in ZIP code 15742 suggests a balanced market with implications for both pricing power and rental income potential. The median home value stands at $117,047, indicating an affordable housing area that could attract first-time buyers and investors looking for entry-level opportunities. However, the absence of data regarding the percentage of listings reduced and the median days on market (DOM) leaves some uncertainty around current seller and buyer activity levels.
Despite this gap in information, the setup points towards a market where landlords and small-portfolio investors can maintain reasonable pricing power over the next 12-24 months. The relatively low median home value supports the idea that the area remains attractive to those seeking affordable housing options, potentially driving demand and allowing for modest price increases.
On the rental side, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is projected to be $970, while the current market rent is reported at $719 according to Census ACS data. This discrepancy indicates a growth opportunity for landlords who can position their properties to capture the higher rents as the market adjusts toward the FMR. It also suggests that there is room for improvement in rental yields, which can benefit long-term investors.
For long-hold investors, the realistic appreciation thesis in ZIP 15742 is tied to broader economic trends and local developments. The area's affordability and the potential for rental rates to rise closer to the FMR provide a foundation for steady appreciation. However, without specific data on local economic growth, job creation, and population changes, it's difficult to assert a strong appreciation case beyond the general trend.
In summary, the current median home value and the potential for rental rates to increase offer a favorable environment for landlords and small-portfolio investors. While the exact trajectory of home values and rental income may depend on future economic conditions, the setup in ZIP 15742 supports maintaining pricing power and gradually increasing 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.