Location: Chambersburg, PA | Metro: Chambersburg, 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 | $920 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,010 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,800 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,088 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,339 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,526 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,652 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,250 | $237,896 | 0.53% | F |
| 3BR | $1,650 | $317,293 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $1,800 | $427,924 | 0.42% | F |
| 5BR | $2,088 | $525,893 | 0.4% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP 17225 (Greencastle, PA) on the axes of yield and stability reveals a market that leans towards providing steady cash flow rather than being a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market.
Yield Analysis: The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 17225 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1290. This figure is notably higher than the market rent of $985, indicating a potential opportunity for landlords participating in the Section 8 program to achieve higher rental yields. However, the median home value of $325,621 suggests that property acquisition costs in this area are relatively high, which can dilute the overall yield when considering investment returns on a per-dollar basis.
Stability Analysis: Stability is assessed through the percentage of renters, days on market (DOM), and median household income. In ZIP 17225, 17.0% of residents are renters, which is a low figure, implying a smaller pool of potential tenants. The median household income of $88,457 is solid, but without data on days on market (DOM), it's challenging to fully gauge stability. However, the combination of a modest rental population and a reasonable income level suggests a stable but not highly dynamic market.
Given these metrics, ZIP 17225 appears to offer a balance that favors steady cash flow over high-yield speculative investments. The Section 8 FMR provides a buffer against market rent fluctuations, ensuring consistent income for landlords who participate in the program. Meanwhile, the moderate percentage of renters and the absence of rapid DOM changes indicate a stable demand environment, although not one that is particularly volatile or prone to quick flips.
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.