Location: Mercer County, PA | Metro: Lawrence County, PA HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 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 | $174,735 | 0.58% | F |
| 3BR | $1,410 | $241,278 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $1,570 | $299,404 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 16143, located in Pulaski, PA, is primarily a homeowner-dominated area rather than a renter-heavy one. With a population of 2,100, only 7.4% are renters, indicating that the majority of residents own their homes. This low percentage of renters also suggests that the demand for rental properties using Section 8 vouchers will be relatively limited.
The median household income in this ZIP code is $85,375, which is significantly higher than the typical market rent of $741 per month. To put this into perspective, the average rent consumes approximately 10.7% of the median household income, calculated by dividing the monthly rent by the annual income and multiplying by 12. This is a manageable percentage for most households, especially given the higher median income levels.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR), which stands at $920 for FY 2024, it's evident that the actual rents in Pulaski are below the FMR. The FMR is set by HUD and represents the maximum amount that can be charged for a unit under the Section 8 program. Since the market rent is lower than the FMR, landlords who participate in the Section 8 program could potentially increase their rents slightly while still remaining within the allowable limits.
A landlord in this ZIP code should expect tenants who are likely to have stable employment and incomes above the median. Given the limited number of renters and the higher income levels, these tenants are more likely to be able to afford their rent without relying heavily on government assistance. However, for those who do qualify for Section 8 vouchers, the program can help bridge the gap between their income and the cost of housing, particularly if they are looking for units that are closer to the FMR.
In summary, Pulaski, PA is not an area with deep voucher demand due to its low percentage of renters. Landlords can anticipate a tenant pool that is generally financially stable and capable of paying market rent, even if it is slightly below the FMR. Participation in the Section 8 program can attract a steady stream of tenants who might otherwise struggle to find affordable housing in this community.
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.