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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,183 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,358 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,476 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,410 | $196,267 | 0.72% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 17060 is situated in a quiet suburban area, primarily characterized by its residential nature and relatively low population density. With a total population of 1,248, it stands out as a community where homeownership is highly prevalent, with only 15.4% of residents renting their homes. The median household income in this area is $67,159, indicating a middle-class neighborhood that is financially stable but not particularly affluent. The median home value of $157,200 suggests that the housing market is accessible to a broad range of buyers, making it an attractive location for those seeking affordable living options.
Moving into the realm of rental economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 17060, set at $970 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026, represents the government's benchmark for determining the affordability of housing for low-income families. However, the actual market rent, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), is significantly lower at $743. This discrepancy highlights a potential opportunity for investors, especially those interested in Section 8 properties, as there is room for higher rents without exceeding the FMR threshold.
Given these conditions, ZIP 17060 would suit both hands-off voucher operators and hands-on value-add buyers. For hands-off operators, the lower market rent compared to the FMR means they can likely find properties that offer a solid return on investment while remaining within the allowable rent limits for vouchers. On the other hand, value-add buyers could focus on improving the quality of existing rental units to command closer to the FMR rate, thereby increasing their cash flow. Both strategies leverage the stability of the Section 8 program and the economic realities of the area to create a profitable investment scenario.
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.