Location: Huntingdon County, PA | Metro: Huntingdon 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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,972 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,505 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $150,020 | 0.67% | D |
| 3BR | $1,410 | $206,442 | 0.68% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls of investing in ZIP code 16669 in Petersburg, PA, under the Section 8 program are significant. Firstly, tenant turnover is a critical issue, with the market rent set at $763 compared to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $980 for fiscal year 2026 in the metro area. This disparity suggests that tenants might leave for better rental deals, leading to increased management costs and time spent on finding new occupants.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, given that the days on market (DOM) is listed as N/A, indicating an unreliable measure of how quickly properties are rented. This uncertainty can result in periods where the property generates no income, exacerbating financial pressure on the landlord.
Deferred maintenance is a notable risk factor, especially considering the typical home value of $178,784 and the median income of $78,977. The lower income levels suggest that tenants may struggle to cover additional costs related to property upkeep, placing the burden squarely on the landlord's shoulders.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high renter density in the area, with 14.9% of residents being renters. High renter density often correlates with higher demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy rates and provide a steady stream of income through the Section 8 program. Landlords in this ZIP code can benefit from the guaranteed rental payments, even if they are slightly below market rates.
In conclusion, the investment risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP code 16669 is moderate.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.