Location: Chambersburg, PA | Metro: Chambersburg, PA MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $950 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,110 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,830 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,274 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,547 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,751 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,889 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 17202, which encompasses Chambersburg, PA, in Franklin County, the Section 8 housing program operates under specific economic parameters. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP is set at $1250 per month for FY 2024. This figure is crucial because it directly influences the maximum amount that a Section 8 voucher can cover. Notably, the SAFMR is tailored for this specific ZIP code, reflecting the local rental market conditions.
The local market rent for a two-bedroom apartment, based on Census ACS data, stands at $1,229 per month. This indicates that the SAFMR is slightly above the average market rent, which could be advantageous for landlords. However, understanding the full economics of accepting a Section 8 tenant requires breaking down the components of the voucher payment.
A Section 8 voucher typically covers the difference between the tenant's portion and the total rent. The tenant is expected to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. For simplicity, let's assume a tenant's income is such that their portion amounts to $375, which is 30% of the SAFMR. The remaining amount, up to the SAFMR, is covered by the Housing Authority. Additionally, utility allowances are factored into the reimbursement. These allowances vary but often range around $150-$200 per month.
This means that for a two-bedroom unit rented at the SAFMR of $1250, the landlord would receive approximately $375 from the tenant and $1250 from the Housing Authority. If the utility allowance is $175, the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $1425 per month.
Given the local market rent of $1,229, a landlord renting a two-bedroom unit at the market price would receive $196 more than the market rent when factoring in the utility allowance. This represents a surplus for the landlord, as they are effectively receiving above-market rates while still participating in the Section 8 program.
To summarize, in ZIP 17202, landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers for a two-bedroom apartment can expect a reimbursement that exceeds the local market rent, providing a financial advantage over standard market rentals.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.