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 |
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 16234, located in Clarion County, Pennsylvania, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for landlords and small-portfolio investors. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, as of fiscal year 2026, is set at $970 per month. This figure represents the maximum amount that HUD will pay landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers.
However, due to the lack of available market rent data, it's difficult to provide a direct comparison between the HUD FMR and what the local rental market charges. In the absence of specific market rent figures, we can infer that voucher tenants in this region would likely cashflow at the FMR rate of $970, but the extent to which they do so would depend on the actual rents being charged in the area. If market rents are significantly higher than the FMR, then landlords would only see positive cashflow with premium units or through other means of income supplementation.
The median home value in ZIP 16234 is also not available, which makes deriving a precise rent-to-price ratio challenging. However, understanding the local real estate landscape is crucial for investors looking to assess the potential returns on investment. The rent-to-price ratio typically gives insight into whether renting or buying is more advantageous, but without these figures, we cannot make a definitive statement on this metric.
The days-on-market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that require a price cut before selling are also not available. These metrics are important indicators of the local real estate market health and can influence the rent-versus-buy dynamics. For instance, a high DOM might suggest a slower real estate market, which could impact both rental and property purchase decisions.
In conclusion, while the HUD FMR provides a benchmark for rental payments in ZIP 16234, the strength of the investor angle—whether it be cashflow, appreciation, or stability—remains unclear without more comprehensive market data. Investors should focus on securing properties where the $970 FMR can cover expenses and generate profit, emphasizing stability as the strongest angle given the limited information on market trends and home values.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027).
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.