Location: Harrisburg-Carlisle, 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 | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,189 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,298 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,140 | $211,777 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $1,500 | $303,073 | 0.49% | F |
| 4BR | $1,560 | $361,794 | 0.43% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 17324, encompassing Gardners, PA, presents a market in motion characterized by the interplay between rental and homeownership dynamics. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area stands at $1110 for fiscal year 2024, indicating a benchmark for rental affordability set by HUD. In contrast, the actual market rent as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) is $869. This discrepancy suggests that while the FMR aims to reflect a reasonable rental cost, the market is currently offering rents below this threshold, potentially signaling a softening in demand relative to supply.
The median home value in Gardners, PA, is $276,374, which provides insight into the homeownership landscape. Although specific data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM) are not available, the lower-than-FMR market rent suggests that there might be an oversupply of rental units. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider this when evaluating their investment strategies, as it may indicate a need to adjust pricing or amenities to attract tenants.
A 15.0% renter share points to a significant portion of the population preferring or needing to rent rather than own. This percentage implies that there is a segment of the community facing financial constraints or lifestyle choices that favor renting over purchasing. Over the long term, this could translate into persistent housing pressure, as a substantial number of residents will continue to rely on rental properties. For investors, this highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between rental offerings and potential appreciation in property values, given the ongoing need for affordable housing.
In summary, Gardners, PA, is a market where rental prices are below the FMR, suggesting a potential oversupply of rental units. The significant renter share indicates enduring housing pressure, making it crucial for investors to adapt to these dynamics. While the exact trajectory is not explicitly defined by the data, the current snapshot suggests a market where rental demand is being met, but not necessarily exceeded, by the supply of available units.
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.