Location: Jefferson County, PA | Metro: Jefferson County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 15781 presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, with the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,050 for fiscal year 2026, which is lower than the prevailing market rent. This discrepancy can lead to higher turnover rates as tenants may seek better rental deals outside the program. Additionally, the area faces substantial vacancy exposure due to the average days on market (DOM) being unspecified. A longer DOM period indicates a slower leasing process, which can be costly for landlords.
The risk of deferred maintenance is also noteworthy. Given the median household income of $53,000, residents might struggle to afford necessary repairs and maintenance, leaving landlords responsible for these costs. The typical home value in the area is not specified, but it's important for landlords to understand that they may need to invest more in property upkeep to maintain quality standards required by the Section 8 program.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the fact that the renter share is 0.0%. High renter density typically correlates with higher demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy rates. Despite the lack of specific data on market rent and home values, the concentration of renters suggests a stable tenant pool, potentially reducing the impact of high turnover and vacancy rates.
In conclusion, the overall risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 15781 is moderate.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.