Location: Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | Metro: Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA
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 | $870 |
| 1 Bedroom | $960 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,189 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,298 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,190 | $186,526 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $1,530 | $292,827 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $1,560 | $347,747 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Duncannon, PA, located in ZIP code 17020, is an ideal cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1110, which is significantly higher than the market rent of $907. This creates a positive spread of $203 per unit, ensuring steady and reliable cash flow for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The median home value in Duncannon, PA, is $285,470. While this figure is important for understanding the overall housing market, it does not directly impact the cash flow from rental properties. However, it can provide context regarding the stability and demand for housing in the area.
ZIP 17020 is not a strong appreciation play due to the lack of significant data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM). These metrics are typically used to gauge the potential for property value increases, but they are not relevant in this case. Instead, the focus should be on the consistent rental income that the area provides.
Although Duncannon, PA, has a renter share of 19.1% and a median income of $73,396, these factors do not make it a primary diversifier within a Section 8 portfolio. The renter share indicates a moderate level of rental activity, and the median income suggests that tenants have sufficient financial means to meet their rent obligations. However, these characteristics do not outweigh the benefits of the area as a cash-flow anchor.
In conclusion, ZIP 17020 should be considered a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The positive spread between the FMR and market rent ensures a steady stream of income, making it a reliable choice for landlords and investors looking to stabilize their cash flows.
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.