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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $182,264 | 0.55% | F |
| 3BR | $1,250 | $212,870 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $1,420 | $237,721 | 0.6% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential downsides for investing in Section 8 housing in ZIP code 16947 in Troy, PA, are significant. First, tenant turnover could be high due to the disparity between the market rent of $701 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $970 for fiscal year 2026, which is based on the metropolitan area. This difference suggests that tenants might seek higher rents elsewhere, leading to frequent changes in occupancy.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, as the Days on Market (DOM) for properties in this area is not available. This lack of data makes it difficult to predict how long a property might remain vacant, increasing financial uncertainty for landlords. Additionally, the typical home value of $199,167 and the median income of $59,872 indicate that there could be deferred maintenance issues. Landlords should prepare for potential costs associated with upkeep and repairs, as residents may not have the financial means to contribute to these expenses.
However, these risks must be weighed against the substantial number of renters in the area. With a renter share of 24.8%, the likelihood of finding tenants who use Section 8 vouchers is relatively high. This dense rental market often translates into strong demand for subsidized housing, which can stabilize the occupancy rate and provide a steady stream of income.
In conclusion, the investment risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 16947 in Troy, PA, is moderate.
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.