Location: Forest County, PA | Metro: Forest County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 16322, located within the Forest County, PA metro area, presents a unique snapshot when compared to typical ZIP codes in the region. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for 16322 stands at $970 for fiscal year 2026, which is a critical figure for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in Section 8 housing. This amount represents the maximum rent that can be charged to tenants receiving federal rental assistance in the area.
While specific market rent and home value data for ZIP 16322 are not available, the 9.8% renter share provides insight into the local housing dynamics. A higher percentage of renters relative to homeowners can indicate a strong demand for rental properties, potentially making ZIP 16322 an attractive investment opportunity for those focused on rental income. However, the absence of market rent data complicates direct comparisons to other ZIP codes within the county, where such information might highlight disparities in rental costs.
The lack of detailed home value information also restricts a comprehensive analysis of property appreciation potential or the cost of acquiring investment properties in 16322. Typically, lower home values combined with a higher renter share suggest a value pocket, where rental properties can be acquired at relatively low costs but still command decent rents due to the local demand for rentals.
To accurately position ZIP 16322 within the broader context of the Forest County, PA metro, it would be beneficial to gather additional data points such as average market rent and median home values. These metrics would help determine if 16322 is indeed a value pocket, indicating a favorable balance between acquisition costs and rental yields, or if it falls into a mid-tier or premium sub-market category. For now, the $970 FMR suggests that 16322 is competitive with the broader metro area's rental rates for subsidized housing, making it a relevant consideration for investors seeking Section 8 opportunities.
Without complete data, the inference that ZIP 16322 could represent a sweet spot for Section 8 investments is based on the high renter share and the presence of FMR data, which aligns with the program's requirements. Landlords and investors should continue to monitor local real estate trends and seek additional insights to make informed decisions about their investments in this ZIP code.
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.