Location: York-Hanover, PA | Metro: Gettysburg, 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 | $910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $990 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,660 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,750 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,274 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,456 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,579 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,240 | $267,627 | 0.46% | F |
| 3BR | $1,660 | $337,989 | 0.49% | F |
| 4BR | $1,750 | $434,445 | 0.4% | F |
| 5BR | $2,030 | $619,576 | 0.33% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP code 17316, East Berlin, PA, must be carefully considered. Firstly, tenant turnover could be a significant issue due to the difference between the market rent of $980 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1160 for fiscal year 2024. This gap might lead to tenants seeking higher-paying opportunities, increasing the likelihood of frequent moves and associated costs.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, as the days on market (DOM) for vacant properties is currently not available. Without this information, it's challenging to predict how long a property might remain unoccupied, which can impact cash flow and overall profitability. Additionally, the typical home value in the area stands at $350,778, while the median income is $90,664. This combination suggests that there may be deferred maintenance issues, as homeowners might struggle to afford necessary repairs and upgrades.
However, these risks are tempered by the high concentration of renters in the area, with 14.3% of residents being renters. High renter density typically correlates with increased demand for rental assistance vouchers, such as Section 8. The presence of many voucher holders can provide a steady stream of reliable tenants who are committed to paying their rent through the government-subsidized program.
In summary, despite the challenges posed by potential tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance, the high renter share in ZIP 17316 indicates a strong demand for affordable housing options. This demand supports the viability of Section 8 investments in the area.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.