Location: Fulton County, PA | Metro: Fulton County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,245 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,357 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls for landlords investing in ZIP 17238 through the Section 8 program are significant. First, tenant turnover is likely to be high due to the disparity between the market rent of $863 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,050 for fiscal year 2026 in the metropolitan area. This gap can lead to tenants who struggle to keep up with the rental payments, resulting in frequent changes in occupancy.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, although the exact number of days on market (DOM) is not available. With a typical home value of $257,184 and a median income of $65,189, many renters might find it challenging to afford the housing costs, which increases the risk of prolonged vacancies. Additionally, the lower median income suggests that landlords might face difficulties in collecting rent, especially if they rely on tenants who receive rental assistance.
Deferred maintenance is also a notable risk factor. The median income being significantly lower than the home values indicates that residents may not have the financial capacity to cover any unexpected repairs or maintenance costs, leading to potential neglect of the property's upkeep.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high renter share of 25.5%. High renter density generally translates into higher demand for rental properties, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers. This demand can mitigate some of the risks associated with vacancy and tenant turnover, as there is a larger pool of potential tenants.
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.