Location: Jefferson County, PA | Metro: Jefferson County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,682 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,035 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,137 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis for Section 8 properties in ZIP code 15847 centers around the disparity between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. As of fiscal year 2026, the FMR stands at $970. However, the specific market rent data for ZIP 15847 is currently unavailable, which complicates a direct comparison.
Given that the FMR is set at $970, it's crucial to understand what this means for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The FMR is established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reflect the rental market conditions and is used to determine payment standards for housing choice vouchers. In ZIP 15847, where 11.8% of residents are renters and the median household income is $125,139, landlords must consider the financial implications of accepting Section 8 tenants.
Without the exact market rent figure, we cannot calculate the precise gap in dollars or percentage. However, if the market rent were higher than the FMR, landlords would face the risk of receiving less than the open-market rate for their units. This scenario could lead to a situation where landlords might incur losses due to the difference between what they could charge and what the government pays through vouchers.
On the other hand, if the FMR exceeds the local market rent, this would be a yield play for landlords. Accepting Section 8 tenants would mean receiving a guaranteed rent that matches or potentially exceeds the average local rent, providing a steady and reliable income stream. The high median income of $125,139 suggests that the area may have a strong economy, but the lack of median home value data makes it difficult to assess how this impacts the rental market.
To proceed with a more informed decision, landlords and investors should seek out the most recent market rent data for ZIP 15847. This will help in understanding the true economic landscape and making decisions based on accurate figures.
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.