Location: Juniata County, PA | Metro: Huntingdon County, PA
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 | $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 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,410 | $168,207 | 0.84% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A skeptical investor looking at ZIP code 17243 might raise several concerns regarding the viability of investing in properties under the Section 8 program. Here's how the data addresses these issues:
Will Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $970 (for metro FY 2026) cover the mortgage on a $160,652 home?
The FMR of $970 is an important figure when considering the potential rental income from a property. However, it does not guarantee that the mortgage will be covered. The cost of a mortgage depends on factors such as interest rates, loan terms, and down payment size. For instance, if we assume a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with an interest rate of 5%, the monthly principal and interest payment on a $160,652 home would be approximately $850. This amount is below the FMR, indicating that the rental income could potentially cover the mortgage. However, it's crucial to also account for additional costs like property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. These can significantly impact whether the FMR is sufficient.
Is there enough renter demand at 25.3%?
The 25.3% rental occupancy rate suggests that a quarter of the housing units in ZIP 17243 are rented. While this percentage is relatively low compared to national averages, it still indicates a significant number of renters. A lower rental rate could mean less competition among landlords, which might make it easier to find tenants willing to participate in the Section 8 program. However, the data alone does not provide insights into the stability of renter demand or the willingness of renters to use Section 8 vouchers. Further analysis of local rental trends and tenant preferences would be necessary to fully assess the demand.
Will vouchers keep pace with $760 market rents?
The question of whether vouchers will keep up with market rents of $760 is critical. The FMR of $970 provides a benchmark for what the government considers a fair rent in the area, but it does not guarantee that voucher amounts will reach this level. Historically, voucher amounts have often lagged behind market rents. To address this concern, one must monitor the HUD updates on voucher amounts for the region. If the current average voucher amount is below $760, landlords might need to consider the possibility of receiving less than the market rent. This scenario requires careful financial planning to ensure profitability even with lower-than-market rental incomes.
In conclusion, while the data provides some assurance regarding the ability of FMR to cover mortgage costs and the presence of a rental market, it does not fully resolve all concerns. Continuous monitoring of local trends and government policies is essential for making informed investment decisions in ZIP 17243 under the Section 8 program.
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.