Location: Huntingdon County, PA | Metro: Huntingdon County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,972 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,505 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rental landscape in ZIP code 17239 presents a unique scenario for both renters and landlords alike. With a median income of $69,107, households in this area face challenges when it comes to affording the market rate rent, which is currently listed as N/A. This lack of specific market rate data suggests either an underdeveloped rental sector or a scarcity of publicly available rental listings, which could indicate low competition among landlords.
In contrast, the voucher payment standard for Fair Market Rent (FMR) is set at $970 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026. Given the limited number of renters—only 0.0% of the 209 total population—and the absence of concrete market rate figures, it becomes apparent that the affordability gap is significant. Landlords in this region should consider the potential benefits of accepting housing vouchers to attract tenants who might otherwise struggle to find suitable accommodation.
The low percentage of renters indicates a predominantly owner-occupied community, which means there is less direct competition from other landlords. However, the decision to accept voucher tenants should be weighed against the possibility of securing higher rents from cash-paying tenants if they are available. In ZIP 17239, the strategy should likely focus on diversifying tenant sources to include those eligible for housing vouchers, given the high cost of living relative to median income levels.
Takeaway: For landlords considering their tenant mix, accepting housing vouchers at the standard FMR of $970 could be a viable strategy to fill units in a market with few renters and potentially high demand from lower-income households. While cash-paying tenants may offer higher rents, the scarcity of such tenants suggests that vouchers provide a stable and reliable alternative for occupancy.
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.