Location: Gettysburg, 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 | $1,130 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,150 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,110 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,448 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,742 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,961 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,109 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,460 | $268,477 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $1,970 | $344,576 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $2,110 | $415,431 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 17320, located in Fairfield, Pennsylvania, within Adams County, operate under specific financial guidelines that directly impact landlords and small-portfolio investors. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1310. This SAFMR figure is crucial because it is tailored specifically to this ZIP code, reflecting the local housing market conditions more accurately than broader regional averages.
Local market rent, as reported by the Census ACS (American Community Survey), stands at $1200 for a two-bedroom unit. This indicates that the SAFMR for ZIP 17320 exceeds the average market rent by $110, which can be seen as advantageous for landlords participating in the program. However, the actual reimbursement received from the Section 8 program is influenced by both the SAFMR and the tenant's portion of the rent, along with utility allowances.
A landlord should understand that the voucher does not cover the entire rent amount. Instead, the tenant is required to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards the rent. For example, if a tenant has an adjusted monthly income of $1000, they would contribute $300 toward the rent. The remaining balance up to the SAFMR is then covered by the Section 8 voucher. In addition to the rent subsidy, utility allowances are also provided, but these vary based on the tenant's household size and the specific utilities included in their lease agreement.
To illustrate, let’s assume a tenant with an adjusted monthly income of $1000, contributing 30%, or $300, towards a two-bedroom apartment. If the utility allowance adds another $100 to the total payment, the landlord would receive a total of $400 from the tenant and the voucher would cover the difference up to the SAFMR of $1310. Thus, the voucher would pay $910, making the total reimbursement to the landlord $1310.
In ZIP 17320, given that the SAFMR is higher than the local market rent, landlords who participate in the Section 8 program and set their rents at the market rate of $1200 will typically see a surplus. The surplus is calculated as the difference between the SAFMR and the local market rent, plus any additional utility allowance payments. In this case, with a market rent of $1200 and assuming a $100 utility allowance, the landlord would have a surplus of $210 per month, beyond the tenant's contribution.
This analysis provides a clear understanding of the economic realities of Section 8 in ZIP 17320, showing that while participation requires adherence to specific guidelines, it can offer a reliable source of income with a potential surplus when compared to the local market rent.
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.