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)
ZIP 16248, located in Clarion County, PA, serves as a strong cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The primary reason for this classification is the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the current market rent. For fiscal year 2026, the FMR for ZIP 16248 is set at $970, while the average market rent stands at $671. This difference of $299 per unit represents a substantial cushion for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
The median home value in ZIP 16248 is $102,572, which indicates that property acquisition costs are relatively low compared to other areas. This affordability makes it easier for landlords to enter the market and quickly achieve positive cash flow through the guaranteed rental payments from the Section 8 program. The high FMR relative to the market rent ensures that landlords receive a stable and predictable income, even if market conditions fluctuate.
ZIP 16248 does not present itself as an appreciation play due to the lack of significant growth potential in home values. The price-cut share and days on market (DOM) figures are not available, suggesting that there isn't a notable trend towards increasing property values or rapid sales cycles. Therefore, the focus should be on the steady income rather than capital appreciation.
While the ZIP code has a 25.1% renter share and a median income of $65,272, these factors alone do not make it a primary diversifier. However, they do support the role of a cash-flow anchor. The median income figure suggests that there is sufficient economic stability among residents to maintain a consistent demand for rental housing. Landlords can rely on this demographic to sustain their investment without worrying about sudden shifts in tenant base or income levels.
In summary, ZIP 16248 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. Its low median home value combined with a favorable FMR-market rent spread provides a solid foundation for generating reliable income streams. Although the area offers some diversification benefits through its renter share and median income, these aspects reinforce the primary goal of ensuring steady cash flows for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
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.