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)
The ZIP code 16361 presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Tenant turnover could be problematic due to the disparity between the market rent, which is currently unavailable, and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $970 for fiscal year 2026 in the metro area. This gap suggests that landlords might struggle to maintain consistent occupancy rates, especially if the actual market rents exceed the FMR.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. With the Days on Market (DOM) also unspecified, it's difficult to predict how long properties might remain vacant between tenants. High DOM values can significantly impact cash flow, making it imperative for landlords to understand local rental market dynamics and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Deferred maintenance poses a substantial risk in ZIP 16361. Given the lack of data on the typical home value, landlords must be prepared for potential higher-than-average maintenance costs, especially when the median income stands at $108,750. This relatively high income level does not necessarily translate into higher market rents but does highlight the financial capacity of residents, which could affect their willingness to invest in property upkeep.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the fact that 0.0% of the population are renters. While this figure initially seems concerning, it actually points to a highly desirable scenario where there is a dense concentration of homeowners. In such areas, there is often a greater demand for rental properties among voucher holders, as homeownership is less prevalent. The scarcity of rental units in ZIP 16361 can lead to a robust competition for available vouchers, potentially stabilizing the rental market and reducing the overall risk profile for landlords.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.