Location: Tioga County, PA | Metro: Tioga 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 | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,965 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,060 | $209,593 | 0.51% | F |
| 3BR | $1,340 | $249,084 | 0.54% | F |
| 4BR | $1,400 | $282,132 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A skeptical investor considering ZIP 16933, Mansfield, PA, might raise several concerns regarding the viability of investing in rental properties under the Section 8 program. Let's address these objections head-on using available data.
Objection 1: Will Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,070 (for the metro area in fiscal year 2026) cover the mortgage on a $244,832 home?
The FMR of $1,070 is an important metric but does not directly correlate with mortgage payments. To determine if the FMR will cover the mortgage, we need to consider the interest rate and loan terms. Assuming a typical 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with an interest rate of around 4%, the monthly payment on a $244,832 home would be approximately $1,150. This means that the FMR of $1,070 would not fully cover the mortgage payment. However, it's worth noting that the FMR is intended to reflect the average rent for a given area, and actual rents can vary. Some properties may command higher rents due to their condition, location, or amenities.
Objection 2: Is there enough renter demand at 36.8%?
The 36.8% figure represents the percentage of households that rent in ZIP 16933. While this is lower than some other areas, it still indicates a significant portion of the population seeking rental housing. The key is to understand the local rental market dynamics. If the vacancy rate is low and there is competition among renters, the 36.8% could translate into steady demand. However, the data does not provide specific insights into the vacancy rate or the number of Section 8 tenants in the area. A thorough analysis of local rental listings and tenant applications would be necessary to confirm the level of demand.
Objection 3: Will vouchers keep pace with $794 market rents?
The current market rent of $794 is below the FMR of $1,070, which suggests that vouchers should be able to cover the majority of rental costs in ZIP 16933. However, the question of whether vouchers will keep pace with future increases in market rents is crucial. The data does not offer projections for voucher amounts or future rent increases. It's essential to monitor HUD announcements and local housing authority policies to anticipate any changes in voucher amounts. Historically, voucher amounts have increased annually to match inflation and other economic factors, but the rate of increase can vary significantly by region.
In conclusion, while the data provides a snapshot of the rental market in ZIP 16933, it does not fully address all investor concerns. Additional research into local mortgage rates, vacancy rates, and future trends in both market rents and voucher amounts is recommended to make an informed investment decision.
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.