Location: Lancaster, 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 | $1,130 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,230 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,940 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,320 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,598 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,806 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,946 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,530 | $279,047 | 0.55% | F |
| 3BR | $1,940 | $341,522 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $2,000 | $495,009 | 0.4% | F |
| 5BR | $2,320 | $598,450 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 17022, which encompasses Elizabethtown, PA, in Lancaster County, are structured around the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment, set at $1310 for fiscal year 2024. This SAFMR figure is specific to this ZIP code, reflecting the localized rental market conditions.
Local market rents for a similar two-bedroom unit are slightly higher, at $1,359 according to ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index). For landlords participating in the Section 8 program, understanding the reimbursement structure is key to managing their properties effectively.
A Section 8 voucher covers a significant portion of the rent but not all. The reimbursement formula involves the tenant paying approximately 30% of their adjusted income toward rent, with the remainder covered by the voucher up to the SAFMR limit. Additionally, there are utility allowances that can vary but typically cover part of the tenant's energy costs.
Let's break down the typical reimbursement scenario. If a tenant's portion of the rent is $405 (30% of an assumed income of $1350 per month), then the voucher would cover the remaining $905 to reach the total of $1310. Utility allowances, if applicable, might add another $150 to the reimbursement, bringing the total monthly reimbursement close to the SAFMR.
In ZIP 17022, landlords should expect the reimbursement to be slightly below the local market rent. With the SAFMR at $1310 and the local market rent at $1359, the typical reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom unit would be $49 per month. This means landlords receive $49 less than the ZORI, which represents the average rent charged in the area for similar units.
To summarize, landlords in ZIP 17022 participating in the Section 8 program can anticipate a reimbursement of $1310 for a two-bedroom apartment, with the tenant contributing $405 and any additional utility allowances. Given the local market rent of $1359, the typical reimbursement will leave a gap of $49 per month, representing the difference between the SAFMR and the ZORI.
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.