Location: Mifflin County, PA | Metro: Huntingdon 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 | $870 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,705 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,166 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,070 | $188,735 | 0.57% | F |
| 3BR | $1,400 | $244,216 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $1,470 | $300,626 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 17051, located in McVeytown, PA within the Mifflin County, PA metro area, presents an interesting mix of characteristics that set it apart from other ZIP codes in the county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 17051 in fiscal year 2026 is $1,060. This figure represents the maximum amount that a low-income family should pay for housing in order to have enough money left over for other basic necessities.
In contrast, the market rent for ZIP 17051 stands at $791, which is significantly lower than the FMR. This indicates that there might be a gap between the subsidized rental rates and the actual market rates, potentially making it a value pocket for tenants seeking affordable housing under the Section 8 program.
The median home value in ZIP 17051 is $221,553. While this is a reasonable price point for the area, it is below the average home value for the broader Mifflin County metro, suggesting that property owners in this ZIP could benefit from a higher demand for rental properties due to the relatively lower cost of homeownership.
A noteworthy aspect is the 17.1% renter share in ZIP 17051. This percentage is indicative of a community where a significant portion of residents choose to rent rather than own their homes. When combined with the below-average market rent and above-average FMR, it suggests that this ZIP code could be particularly attractive for landlords participating in the Section 8 program, as they can offer subsidized rents that are still competitive with the market rate.
The divergence between the high FMR and lower market rent, coupled with the substantial renter share, points towards ZIP 17051 being a sweet spot for Section 8 landlords and small-portfolio investors. It offers a balance between manageable investment costs and the potential for steady rental income supported by government subsidies.
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.