Location: Fulton County, PA | Metro: Fulton County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,752 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,962 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,119 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,225 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment risk assessment for ZIP code 17228 in XX reveals several potential issues that could impact a landlord's profitability when participating in the Section 8 program. Tenant turnover is a significant concern due to the disparity between the market rent of $800 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,020 for FY 2026 in the metro area. This gap suggests that tenants may prefer to move to higher-rent properties once their voucher allows it, leading to frequent vacancies.
Vacancy exposure is another critical factor, especially since the Days on Market (DOM) is not available, indicating an unpredictable time frame for filling vacancies. Given the typical home value of $235,123 and a median income of $67,438, there is also a risk of deferred maintenance. Landlords must be prepared to invest in property upkeep, as lower-income residents may prioritize basic needs over maintaining their homes, potentially leading to higher-than-average repair costs.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high concentration of renters in the area, with 17.3% of the population being renters. High renter density typically correlates with greater demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy rates and provide a steady stream of rental income. The Section 8 program ensures that landlords receive timely payments, reducing the financial burden of vacancies and helping to cover ongoing maintenance costs.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.