Location: Bedford County, PA | Metro: Bedford County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,428 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,549 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 16633, located in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,030, which stands significantly above the current market rent of $644. This creates a spread of $386 per unit, ensuring a steady and reliable stream of income that exceeds the local market rates.
The substantial difference between the FMR and the market rent means that landlords can count on higher rental payments without having to worry about vacancy rates. In fiscal year 2026, the FMR guarantees a minimum payment that is well above what tenants would typically pay in the private market. This makes ZIP 16633 a secure investment choice for those looking to stabilize their cash flow.
While the median home value is not available, the high FMR spread compensates for any uncertainties regarding property appreciation. The lack of data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM) suggests that this ZIP code may not be the best choice for an appreciation play. Instead, the focus should be on the guaranteed rental income that provides a solid financial foundation.
The 25.0% renter share indicates that there is a notable portion of the population who are already renting, which supports the demand for rental properties. Additionally, the median income of $90,556 suggests that residents have the financial capacity to support rental prices at or near the FMR level, further reinforcing the potential for stable cash flows.
In conclusion, ZIP 16633 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor due to the significant spread between the FMR and the market rent, ensuring a reliable income stream for landlords participating in the Section 8 program. The combination of guaranteed higher rental payments and a stable tenant base makes this ZIP code a valuable addition to any Section 8-focused real estate portfolio.
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.