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 | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,260 | $241,610 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A decision tree for evaluating whether to purchase a property in ZIP code 16926 for Section 8 investment hinges on three key questions. The answers to these will guide your decision-making process.
1) Does the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,050 cover the debt service on a $228,184 property?
No: The FMR of $1,050 does not sufficiently cover the debt service on a property valued at $228,184. To determine if the FMR can cover debt service, you must calculate the monthly mortgage payment, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. For a property priced at $228,184, even with a favorable interest rate, the monthly payment would likely exceed $1,050, making it financially unviable to rely solely on Section 8 rental income.
It depends: This scenario applies if there are significant tax benefits, subsidies, or other financial incentives that reduce the effective debt service cost below the FMR. However, without such factors, the answer leans towards no based on the given figures.
2) How does the market rent of $1,075 compare to the FMR?
Above: With a market rent of $1,075, which is slightly above the FMR of $1,050, you have the potential to attract non-Section 8 tenants willing to pay a higher rent. This flexibility could be advantageous if you aim to diversify your tenant base beyond Section 8.
At or Below: If you decide to participate in the Section 8 program exclusively, the market rent being only slightly above the FMR means you might face competition from other landlords who can offer the same or higher rent, reducing your pool of potential tenants.
3) Is there sufficient demand with 17.0% renters and N/A-day days on the market (DOM)?
Yes: A 17.0% renter population indicates a moderate level of demand. However, the lack of specific days on the market (DOM) data makes it challenging to assess how quickly properties are typically rented. Assuming the DOM is relatively low, this suggests a healthy rental market where properties are occupied promptly.
No: Without definitive DOM data, it's difficult to conclude definitively. But if the DOM is high, indicating slow turnover, this could signal weak demand, especially if combined with the previous issues regarding FMR and market rent.
It depends: The absence of DOM data leaves room for uncertainty. If the DOM is short, the 17.0% renter population supports a viable market. Conversely, if DOM is long, the demand may not be robust enough to sustain a Section 8-focused investment strategy.
In summary, while the market rent slightly exceeds the FMR, the primary concern is the ability of the FMR to cover debt service on a property valued at $228,184. Additionally, the moderate renter population and lack of DOM data create an environment where demand is uncertain. Therefore, unless there are substantial financial incentives or subsidies, purchasing in ZIP 16926 for Section 8 investment is not advisable.
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.