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 | $830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,470 | $323,202 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The gap between FMR and market rent suggests that voucher tenants in ZIP 17090 are paying above the typical market rate. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, this makes the area a potential yield play. With 19.0% of the population being renters, the demand for affordable housing is present but does not necessarily align with the lower market rents. Voucher tenants can offer a more stable and higher revenue stream compared to traditional market-rate tenants.
The median home value in ZIP 17090 is $327,580, which places it in a moderate-income bracket. The median household income is $78,281, indicating that many residents could benefit from the rental assistance provided by Section 8 vouchers. However, accepting voucher tenants at below the FMR rate might reduce profitability for landlords who are accustomed to charging closer to the FMR. This scenario could be less attractive for investors looking to maximize returns, as they would need to consider the administrative costs and potential delays associated with voucher processing.
To summarize, the analysis in ZIP 17090 shows that voucher tenants pay above the average market rent, making it a potentially lucrative opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. However, the decision to accept voucher tenants should also take into account the local economic context, including the percentage of renters, median home values, and median incomes.
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.