Location: Mifflin County, PA | Metro: Juniata 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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,752 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,962 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,119 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,225 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,280 | $235,050 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 17059 is set at $970 for the fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the payment standard set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Section 8 program in this area. It does not mean that you will receive $970 per month as your rent; rather, it's the maximum amount HUD will pay toward a tenant's rent subsidy. Landlords typically can charge a higher rent, but the total rent cannot exceed $970 for a unit to be eligible under Section 8.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in ZIP code 17059, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), is $784. This indicates that the FMR is higher than the typical market rate, which could be beneficial for landlords who participate in the Section 8 program.
The demand for rental properties in this area is strong, with 29.6% of residents being renters. This suggests a significant portion of the population relies on rental housing, creating a robust market for rentals, including those under Section 8.
If you're looking to acquire a property in ZIP code 17059, the median home value is approximately $227,326. This figure gives you an idea of the investment required to enter this market. However, it's important to note that the value of a property suitable for Section 8 might be lower, depending on its condition and location.
Before committing to a Section 8 rental, one crucial step is to verify that the property meets all the necessary requirements for participation in the program. This includes ensuring the property passes a housing quality standards (HQS) inspection and complies with local health and safety codes. These checks are essential to avoid any potential issues that could prevent you from renting to Section 8 tenants or lead to penalties.
In summary, the FMR of $970 provides a clear benchmark for the maximum subsidy HUD will cover, which is higher than the local average rent of $784. With a significant renter share of 29.6%, there is ample demand for rental properties. The median home value of $227,326 reflects the typical acquisition cost, though Section 8 properties may vary. Ensuring your property meets HQS and local regulations is key to successfully participating in the Section 8 program.
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.