Location: Bradford 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 | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,110 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,798 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,175 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,284 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,110 | $173,811 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $1,370 | $208,434 | 0.66% | D |
| 4BR | $1,550 | $251,821 | 0.62% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A decision tree for whether to buy properties in ZIP code 16925 (Gillett, PA) for Section 8 investment can be structured around three key questions:
1) Does the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,060 cover the debt service on a $188,706 property?
To answer this, calculate the monthly mortgage payment based on typical financing terms. Assuming a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at an interest rate of 5%, the monthly payment would be approximately $983. This amount is below the FMR of $1,060, indicating that the rental income could indeed cover the debt service. Therefore, the answer to this question is Yes.
2) Is the market rent of $947 above, at, or below the FMR?
The market rent of $947 is below the FMR of $1,060. This means that the rental income from market-rate tenants would not fully match the FMR, potentially making Section 8 tenants more attractive due to their guaranteed rent. The answer here is Below FMR.
3) Are 23.0% of residents renters, and does the number of days on the market (DOM) indicate sufficient demand?
The percentage of renters in Gillett, PA, stands at 23.0%. However, the data on days on the market (DOM) is marked as N/A, which suggests that there might not be reliable information on how quickly rental properties are being leased. Despite the lack of DOM data, the renter population percentage is relatively low compared to other areas, but it still represents a significant portion of potential tenants. Given this, the answer to the demand question is It Depends. A lower percentage of renters could mean less competition among landlords, but it also implies a smaller pool of potential tenants.
Decision Path:
In summary, the FMR of $1,060 is sufficient to cover the debt service on a $188,706 property, and the market rent is below the FMR, making Section 8 properties financially viable. However, the demand for rentals is somewhat limited, and without concrete DOM data, the decision to invest hinges on additional investigation into the local rental market dynamics.
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.