Location: Venango County, PA | Metro: Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $134,950 | 0.75% | D |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $178,116 | 0.71% | D |
| 4BR | $1,490 | $210,208 | 0.71% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median income in Emlenton, PA (ZIP 16373) stands at $63,047, which provides a baseline for understanding the financial landscape for renters. The market rate for rent is reported at $830 per month, according to the Census ACS data. This figure represents a significant portion of the average household's monthly income, suggesting that many residents face challenges in affording housing without assistance.
Comparatively, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) as set by the Housing Choice Voucher program for the fiscal year 2024 is $1010. This means that even with the voucher, the rent amount is higher than the market rate, indicating a substantial affordability gap for local renters. The 20.8% of the population who are renters, totaling approximately 677 individuals, must navigate this gap to secure housing.
This situation has implications for landlords. With the median income being lower than what is required to cover the FMR, there is likely to be stiff competition among renters for affordable units. Landlords who accept vouchers might find themselves in a more favorable position, as they can charge closer to the FMR while still providing tenants with a way to pay. However, this strategy also means dealing with the administrative requirements and timelines associated with the voucher program.
On the other hand, landlords who focus on cash-paying tenants may need to offer more competitive rental rates to attract and retain tenants. Given the median income, setting rates below the FMR could be a strategic move to ensure occupancy and avoid prolonged vacancies. The key takeaway for landlords is to carefully consider their tenant mix and rental pricing strategy. Accepting vouchers can provide a steady stream of income but requires navigating additional bureaucracy. Opting for cash-paying tenants might necessitate lowering rents to align better with the local income levels, thereby ensuring a consistent demand for housing.
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.