Location: Venango County, PA | Metro: Clarion 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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,798 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,175 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,284 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $113,251 | 0.89% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 16353, encompassing Tionesta, PA, and parts of Forest and Venango Counties, reveals a favorable environment for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, significantly higher than the average market rent reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), which stands at $665. This disparity indicates that voucher tenants can easily cashflow at the FMR rate, providing landlords with a reliable income stream.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which is $117,885. With an average market rent of $665, the rent-to-price ratio is approximately 0.6%, suggesting that rental properties are undervalued compared to their purchase price. This makes it an attractive market for those looking to invest in rental properties, as they can expect a good return on investment relative to property values.
The dynamics between renting and buying in this market do not significantly impact the decision-making process for investors, as the days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts are not applicable (N/A). However, the strong cashflow potential from voucher tenants at the FMR rate remains a critical factor. The stability offered by the Section 8 program, combined with the relatively low home values, ensures that investors can count on consistent returns without the need for frequent adjustments to rental rates or significant competition from homebuyers.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 16353 is the cashflow potential, as the difference between the HUD FMR and the market rent allows for substantial profit margins even when accounting for maintenance and vacancy costs.
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.