Location: Crawford County, PA | Metro: Crawford County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for a Section 8 landlord in ZIP code 16316 are significant. Tenant turnover is a primary concern, with the market rent at $792 being notably lower than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $970 for the fiscal year 2026 in the metropolitan area. This disparity can lead to higher tenant turnover rates as individuals seek better rental deals that align with their financial capabilities.
Vacancy exposure is another critical issue. The days on market (DOM) figure is not available, which suggests a lack of data on how long properties typically remain vacant before being rented. This uncertainty can pose a considerable risk, as prolonged vacancies mean lost income and increased costs associated with maintaining an empty property.
Deferred maintenance is also a factor to consider. With a typical home value of $211,026 and a median income of $62,750, residents might struggle to afford necessary repairs and maintenance, leading to potential wear and tear on properties. This situation can be exacerbated if tenants are unable to cover additional costs that might arise due to the lower market rent compared to the FMR.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high renter share of 23.5%. High renter density often translates into a robust demand for rental properties, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers. This demand can help mitigate some of the risks associated with vacancy and tenant turnover, as there will likely be a steady stream of interested tenants.
In conclusion, despite the challenges posed by tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance, the high renter share in ZIP 16316 suggests a moderate risk level for a first-time Section 8 landlord. The demand for rental housing provides a buffer against some of the inherent risks of the program.
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.