Location: Clarion County, PA | Metro: Clarion County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,972 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,505 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Households in ZIP code 16213, with a median income of $71,667, face significant challenges in affording the market rate rent of $825. This puts them in a position where they must carefully manage their finances to cover housing costs, leaving little room for other expenses.
Comparatively, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $970 for metro FY 2026 is even higher, indicating that the cost of living in the area exceeds the typical earnings of residents. This suggests that many households might struggle to find suitable housing without financial assistance.
Given that only 22.2% of the 107-person population are renters, the competition for tenants is relatively low. However, this also means that landlords have fewer potential cash-paying tenants to choose from, making it crucial to consider alternative sources of rental income such as government vouchers.
The affordability gap implies that landlords should focus on attracting voucher holders to ensure steady occupancy. Vouchers, while providing a guaranteed income stream, come with additional administrative requirements and sometimes lower payment amounts compared to market rates. For landlords, the strategy should be to balance between accepting vouchers and seeking out cash-paying tenants who can afford the higher rents.
In conclusion, landlords in ZIP 16213 should be prepared to accommodate both voucher and cash-paying tenants to maximize their chances of maintaining full occupancy. The reliance on government assistance programs is likely to increase due to the disparity between median incomes and housing costs, making it essential for landlords to understand the dynamics of voucher acceptance.
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.