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 | $1,120 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,240 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,980 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,343 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,624 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,834 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,976 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,540 | $224,251 | 0.69% | D |
| 3BR | $1,980 | $298,223 | 0.66% | D |
| 4BR | $2,020 | $449,492 | 0.45% | F |
| 5BR | $2,343 | $721,704 | 0.32% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 17025, located in Enola, PA, within the Cumberland County and Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA metro area, reveals a challenging environment due to the disparity between the HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. The HUD FMR for ZIP 17025 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,210 for a standard unit. In contrast, the market rent, as measured by the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI), stands at $1,734. This significant gap means that voucher tenants will only cashflow at the FMR rate with premium units that offer higher-than-average rents. Standard units will likely result in negative cashflow or marginal returns.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in ZIP 17025, which is $299,692. Using this figure, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.58%, indicating that rental income is relatively low compared to the cost of owning property in the area. This suggests that while cashflow might be limited, the primary attraction could be the stability and predictability of Section 8 tenancy, especially given the lack of significant day median Days on Market (DOM) and a negligible 0.2% share of properties needing price cuts. These factors imply a stable housing market with little fluctuation.
In conclusion, the strongest investor angle in ZIP 17025 is stability, as evidenced by the consistent demand for housing and the predictable nature of Section 8 vouchers, despite the challenges in achieving positive cashflow with standard units.
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.