Location: Fulton County, 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 | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,070 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,770 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,216 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,681 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,815 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,330 | $217,260 | 0.61% | D |
| 3BR | $1,770 | $291,088 | 0.61% | D |
| 4BR | $1,910 | $374,587 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 17236, located in Mercersburg, PA, has a population of 8,845 residents, with 23.2% being renters. This indicates that while the area is not overwhelmingly dominated by renters, there is still a significant portion of the population that relies on rental housing. The median household income in this ZIP code is $79,271, which provides a benchmark for assessing the affordability of the average market rent of $1,143.
Typical rent consumes approximately 14.4% of the local median income, calculated by dividing the monthly rent by the annual income and multiplying by 12. This percentage suggests that the rent is reasonably affordable for most households, but it also implies that a considerable portion of income is dedicated to housing costs, potentially leaving less disposable income for other expenses.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,130 for FY 2024, we see that the market rent is slightly higher, indicating that landlords can expect a competitive rental market with rents close to the FMR threshold. However, given the relatively high median income, landlords might find that tenants are more likely to be working individuals who can afford to pay slightly above the FMR without relying heavily on rental assistance programs.
The demand for Section 8 vouchers in this area is likely moderate rather than deep, due to the smaller proportion of renters and the overall higher income level. Landlords in Mercersburg should anticipate a mix of tenants, including those who may need some form of rental assistance, but they will also encounter a number of independent renters who are able to cover their rent without government subsidies.
In summary, ZIP 17236 is a moderately renter-heavy area with a fair amount of voucher usage, though not at the level seen in more densely populated or lower-income areas. The expected tenant profile includes both those who can afford the market rate and those who may require some form of financial aid to meet their housing needs. With the median income at $79,271 and market rent at $1,143, landlords should be prepared for a diverse tenant base, with a focus on financially stable individuals who can handle the slightly above-average rent costs.
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.