Location: Huntingdon County, PA | Metro: Fulton 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 | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,183 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,358 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,476 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,430 | $207,981 | 0.69% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors targeting ZIP code 17255 in Huntingdon County, PA, reveals several key points. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area, effective for fiscal year 2026, is set at $1,090. However, the current market rent data for ZIP 17255 is not available, making it difficult to directly compare the FMR to actual rental rates in the area.
To derive the rent-to-price ratio, we can use the median home value of $185,264. Assuming a typical mortgage rate and a 20% down payment, the monthly housing cost would be approximately $741. This calculation suggests that the HUD FMR of $1,090 could cover both the mortgage and additional costs such as property taxes and maintenance, indicating that voucher tenants could potentially cashflow at FMR levels.
The lack of recent market rent data means that the exact dynamics between renting and buying cannot be fully assessed. However, given the median home value and the HUD FMR, it is reasonable to conclude that voucher tenants would likely cashflow, albeit marginally, without the need for premium units. This scenario implies that the investment in properties in ZIP 17255 could offer a stable cashflow for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 17255 appears to be stability, due to the consistent HUD FMR and the potential for marginal cashflow with voucher tenants. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking reliable long-term investments in a relatively low-risk market.
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.