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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 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 | $182,833 | 0.58% | F |
| 3BR | $1,330 | $235,345 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $1,400 | $236,670 | 0.59% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP code 16936, encompassing Millerton, PA, within the Tioga County, PA metro area, does not favor landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2026 stands at $1,030, while the current market rent, according to Census ACS data, is $971. This indicates that rents are below the benchmark set by HUD, suggesting potential difficulty in covering costs and generating profit.
Acquisition in this area is relatively affordable. With a median home value of $205,335, purchasing properties should be within reach for many small-portfolio investors. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring price cuts to sell makes it challenging to assess the liquidity and competitiveness of the local real estate market accurately.
Tenant demand in ZIP 16936 is limited. The total population is 1,940, with only 19.6% being renters. This low renter share implies that there may not be sufficient tenants to fill available rental units, which could lead to prolonged vacancies and lower occupancy rates.
Verdict: The economic landscape of ZIP 16936 presents challenges for landlords and small-portfolio investors. Rents are below the HUD benchmark, indicating potential financial strain. While the median home value suggests affordability, the absence of data on DOM and price-cut percentages introduces uncertainty about market conditions. Furthermore, the low renter share in the area points to a limited pool of potential tenants, increasing the risk of vacancy. These factors collectively suggest that this area may not be an optimal investment choice for those seeking stable returns through rental income.
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.