Location: Tioga County, PA | Metro: Bradford 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 | $950 |
| 1 Bedroom | $960 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,428 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,549 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,250 | $197,320 | 0.63% | D |
| 3BR | $1,540 | $236,468 | 0.65% | D |
| 4BR | $1,730 | $284,105 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors targeting ZIP code 16914, which encompasses Columbia Cross Roads, PA, Bradford County, and Tioga County, PA metro areas, reveals a favorable environment for those seeking stable cash flow. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,130 per month for fiscal year 2026, is higher than the average market rent of $1,076, based on Census ACS data. This indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow at the FMR, providing a positive net income without the need for premium units.
To further understand the investment potential, we can examine the rent-to-price ratio. With a median home value of $212,728, the monthly rent of $1,130 translates to a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.67%. This suggests that rental income represents a modest portion of the property's total value, indicating that appreciation rather than rental income might be the primary driver of returns in this market.
In terms of days on market (DOM) and price-cut shares, the data shows these metrics as N/A, which implies that there is insufficient information to assess the typical time it takes to sell a property or the frequency of price reductions. However, given the favorable cash flow situation, it's reasonable to assume that the rental market is relatively stable, supporting long-term investment strategies.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 16914 is likely to be stability. The consistent cash flow from voucher tenants combined with the modest rent-to-price ratio points towards a market where properties can be held for long periods with minimal risk, making it an attractive option for those looking for reliable, steady returns.
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.