Location: Tioga County, PA | Metro: Tioga County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,636 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,832 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,979 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,078 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 16939 in Tioga County, PA reveals critical insights for potential landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The rent math does not work favorably here. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,170. However, the current market rent, according to Census ACS data, stands significantly lower at $763. This discrepancy means that landlords would be unable to charge the FMR without potentially deterring tenants who are accustomed to the lower market rates.
Regarding property acquisition, the data indicates a less favorable scenario. The median home value is listed as N/A, suggesting limited recent sales data, which complicates assessing affordability. Similarly, the days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring price cuts before selling are also marked as N/A, indicating a lack of clear trends in the housing market for quick or affordable acquisitions.
Tenant demand is modest. With a total population of 172, only 20.7% of residents are renters. This low renter share implies a smaller pool of potential tenants, making it harder to fill vacancies and maintain consistent rental income.
Verdict: ZIP 16939 presents challenges for landlords and small-portfolio investors due to unfavorable rent math, unclear affordability metrics for acquiring properties, and a limited tenant base. The gap between the FMR and the actual market rent suggests that landlords will either have to accept lower rents or risk higher vacancy rates. Additionally, the lack of detailed acquisition data and the small number of renters indicate a less promising investment environment compared to other areas with clearer market signals and higher demand for rentals.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.