Location: Venango County, PA | Metro: Venango County, PA
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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,682 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,035 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,137 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $790 | $81,436 | 0.97% | C |
| 2BR | $1,030 | $108,224 | 0.95% | C |
| 3BR | $1,300 | $141,628 | 0.92% | C |
| 4BR | $1,450 | $177,426 | 0.82% | C |
| 5BR | $1,682 | $208,458 | 0.81% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 16323 of Franklin, PA, landlords must be aware of several potential issues when considering Section 8 investments. Tenant turnover is a significant concern due to the difference between the market rent of $773 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $990 for fiscal year 2026 in the metropolitan area. This discrepancy can lead to higher turnover rates as tenants may seek properties that offer the full FMR subsidy, leaving landlords with units that do not attract long-term tenants.
Vacancy exposure is another critical risk factor. The days on market (DOM) for vacant properties in this area is currently not available, which makes it challenging to predict how quickly a unit might fill. However, with a typical home value of $126,705 and a median income of $62,562, there is a substantial gap between housing costs and residents' ability to pay, potentially leading to prolonged vacancies and increased exposure to empty units.
The deferred maintenance exposure is also noteworthy. Given the lower median income, many homeowners might delay necessary repairs, which can affect the overall condition of rental properties in the area. Landlords will need to be prepared to invest in regular maintenance to keep their properties up to standard and attractive to Section 8 tenants.
Despite these risks, the high renter share of 28.8% in Franklin, PA, suggests a robust demand for rental housing, including those supported by Section 8 vouchers. A larger number of renters often translates into a higher likelihood of finding tenants who qualify for and utilize Section 8 assistance, reducing the risk of vacancies.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.