Location: Huntingdon County, PA | Metro: Bedford County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 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 economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 16694 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Section 8 Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $990 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure is specific to this ZIP code, meaning it reflects the fair market rent determined by HUD (Housing and Urban Development) for this particular area.
However, the local market rent is currently unavailable, which can make direct comparisons challenging. Nonetheless, understanding how the voucher system works is crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors. A Section 8 voucher covers the difference between what a low-income family can afford to pay and the rent of the apartment they choose. Typically, the tenant's contribution is about 30% of their adjusted income, and there are additional utility allowances that vary based on the size of the unit and location.
For a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 16694, if the tenant's portion is 30% of an adjusted income of, say, $1,500 per month, then the tenant would contribute approximately $450 toward the rent. Assuming a standard utility allowance of $200, the total amount covered by the voucher would be $690 ($990 - $450 + $200).
This means that landlords in ZIP 16694 receiving a Section 8 voucher payment for a two-bedroom apartment will receive $990 from the program, but the actual reimbursement to the landlord is the SAFMR minus the tenant's contribution plus any applicable utility allowance. In our example, the landlord would receive $990, with $450 coming from the tenant and $540 ($990 - $450) from the voucher program.
The typical reimbursement gap or surplus depends on the actual market rent of the property. If the market rent exceeds the SAFMR, landlords may face a shortfall. Conversely, if the market rent is lower than the SAFMR, landlords might see a surplus. Given the SAFMR of $990 for a two-bedroom apartment, landlords should ensure their rental rates align closely with this figure to avoid financial gaps or unnecessary surpluses.
To summarize, landlords in ZIP 16694 participating in the Section 8 program for a two-bedroom apartment can expect a reimbursement of up to $990 per month, with the tenant contributing around 30% of their adjusted income and utility allowances adding to the voucher payment. The exact reimbursement will depend on the tenant's income and the local utility costs, but it is designed to cover the majority of the rent, leaving a manageable gap or surplus for landlords.
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.