Location: Armstrong County, PA | Metro: Armstrong 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 | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,965 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $155,559 | 0.65% | D |
| 3BR | $1,340 | $205,624 | 0.65% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In Cowansville, Pennsylvania, located within ZIP code 16218, the median household income stands at $71,000. The average market rent for the area is $441 according to the Census ACS data. However, when comparing this figure to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) standard set by the voucher program at $920, it becomes evident that there is a significant disparity between what the market dictates and what voucher recipients can expect.
A household earning the median income would find it challenging to afford the $920 voucher payment, which is nearly double the market rate. This suggests that many residents might struggle to secure housing through the voucher program due to the high costs associated with it compared to their actual earnings. The voucher standard is designed to reflect a broader national or regional average, but in Cowansville, it overshadows the local economic reality.
The ZIP code has a relatively low percentage of renters at 11.4%, indicating a primarily owner-occupied community. With a total population of 1,000, this means only around 114 households are renting. Given the limited number of renters and the affordability gap, landlords face stiff competition for tenants willing and able to pay market rates, let alone higher voucher rates.
The takeaway for landlords is clear: while voucher programs offer guaranteed payments, the higher end of the payment scale may deter local tenants who cannot contribute their share. Landlords should consider the balance between accepting vouchers and attracting cash-paying tenants who can meet the $441 market rate. This strategy will likely yield better occupancy rates and financial stability given the local economic conditions.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.