Location: Tioga County, PA | Metro: Williamsport, PA MSA
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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,821 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,203 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,090 | $235,144 | 0.46% | F |
| 3BR | $1,430 | $272,832 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $1,570 | $346,995 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median income in ZIP code 16930, which includes Liberty, Pennsylvania, stands at $71,111. This figure provides a benchmark for assessing the financial capacity of households in the area. The market rate for rent, according to the Census ACS, is $842 per month. Given the median income, it's clear that a significant portion of households can comfortably cover this expense without financial strain. However, when comparing the market rate to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) standard set at $1120 for the fiscal year 2024, it becomes evident that there's a notable gap between what the market demands and what the government considers fair for voucher payments.
This discrepancy means that landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers may find themselves receiving less than the market rate, potentially impacting their revenue and profit margins. With only 20.1% of the population being renters and a total population of 1,119, the competition among landlords for tenants is relatively low. This situation could lead to landlords having more leverage over setting rents closer to the market rate rather than the lower FMR rate.
The affordability gap highlights the challenge for landlords who must decide whether to accept vouchers at a lower rate or seek cash-paying tenants willing to pay the higher market rate. For landlords looking to maximize their rental income, focusing on attracting cash-paying tenants might be a more lucrative strategy. However, the decision should also consider the stability and reliability of voucher-supported tenants, who often benefit from federal guarantees.
Takeaway: Landlords in ZIP 16930 have the option to pursue higher rental incomes by targeting cash-paying tenants, given the market rate of $842 is below the median household income. Accepting Section 8 vouchers at $1120 would align with government standards but may offer less competitive rates compared to the local market. Landlords should weigh the benefits of higher rents against the security and long-term stability provided by voucher-supported tenancy.
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.