Location: Mifflin County, PA | Metro: Mifflin 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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $234,256 | 0.43% | F |
| 3BR | $1,340 | $251,068 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $1,340 | $340,987 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 17004, located in Belleville, PA, within the Mifflin County, PA metro area, is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This designation is based on the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rental rates. For fiscal year 2026, the FMR for the metro area is set at $970, while the current market rental rate is $806. This $164 difference represents a substantial cushion for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
The higher guaranteed rent through the Section 8 voucher program ensures steady and reliable cash flow. The median home value in ZIP 17004 is $261,540, which is relatively low compared to many other areas. This makes it easier for landlords to acquire properties at a lower initial investment cost, thereby increasing the potential return on investment relative to the purchase price.
The renter share in ZIP 17004 is 26.5%, indicating a moderate demand for rental properties. However, the median income of $65,068 suggests that there is a sufficient number of tenants who can qualify for Section 8 vouchers and contribute to the stable cash flow of the portfolio. The lack of specific data on price-cut share and days on market (DOM) does not affect the cash-flow anchor classification, as these metrics are less relevant when considering the guaranteed income from the Section 8 program.
In summary, ZIP 17004 serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor due to the favorable spread between FMR and market rates, the manageable property acquisition costs, and the presence of a qualified tenant base. These factors ensure consistent and predictable returns for landlords and small-portfolio investors participating in the Section 8 program.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.