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 | $133,159 | 0.76% | D |
| 3BR | $1,340 | $157,621 | 0.85% | C |
| 4BR | $1,340 | $167,686 | 0.8% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP 17009, located in Burnham, PA, within the Mifflin County, PA metro area, reveals several key points that are crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The rent math does not favor landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $970. However, the current market rent, according to the Census ACS, stands at $785. This discrepancy indicates that landlords may struggle to charge the FMR without losing tenants to more competitively priced properties.
Acquisition in this area is moderately affordable. With a median home value of $145,228, potential investors can find homes within a reasonable budget. Unfortunately, the data does not provide insights into the number of days on the market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that have been subject to price cuts, which would be useful for gauging how quickly homes sell and at what price.
Tenant demand is present but limited. The ZIP code has a total population of 1,765, with 24.4% of residents being renters. This suggests that while there is a segment of the population looking for rental housing, it is a smaller proportion compared to other areas. Landlords should be prepared for a potentially tighter market and may need to offer competitive rents and amenities to attract and retain tenants.
Overall, ZIP 17009 presents a mixed picture for real estate investment. While the acquisition cost is within an acceptable range, the mismatch between FMR and actual market rent, combined with a relatively low renter share, suggests that this area might not be the most lucrative for landlords seeking high returns. Investors should proceed with caution, focusing on offering competitive rents and maintaining quality properties to meet the needs of the local tenant base.
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.