Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 17502 - 2027

Location: Lancaster, PA | Metro: Lancaster, PA MSA

Investment Score for ZIP 17502

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,380

Median Price (2BR)

$285,559

1% Rule

0.48%

Annual Yield

5.8%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$1,000
1 Bedroom	$1,100
2 Bedrooms	$1,380
3 Bedrooms	$1,790
4 Bedrooms	$1,820
5 Bedrooms	$2,111
6 Bedrooms	$2,364
7 Bedrooms	$2,553
8 Bedrooms	$2,681

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,380	$285,559	0.48%	F
3BR	$1,790	$344,882	0.52%	F
4BR	$1,820	$408,979	0.45%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

2,485

Median Household Income

$72,776

Housing Units

1,011

Renter Percentage

18.7%

Occupancy Rate

100.0%

Renter Occupied

189

The town of Bainbridge, located in Pennsylvania's ZIP code 17502, offers a stable real estate market with a mix of homeownership and rental opportunities. Its modest size and rural setting make it an attractive location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle, yet it remains close enough to larger urban centers to benefit from economic spillover effects.

Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 17502 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,500. This figure represents the maximum amount that low-income households should pay for housing, indicating a baseline for rental values in the area.
The average market rent for Bainbridge is $1,364 per month. This data point comes directly from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), reflecting the typical rental costs landlords can expect in the area.
The median home value in ZIP 17502 is $341,304. This suggests that while the area is not excessively expensive, it does offer solid investment potential for those interested in property appreciation.
Renters constitute 18.7% of the population. This relatively low percentage indicates that Bainbridge has a strong homeownership base, which could influence the demand for rental properties.
The median household income in Bainbridge is $72,776. This figure provides insight into the financial health of residents, suggesting they have the means to afford higher rents or mortgage payments.

Bainbridge presents a balanced real estate opportunity for both landlords and small-portfolio investors. The difference between the Fair Market Rent and the actual market rent suggests room for price adjustments, especially in subsidized housing markets. The median home value points to a moderate investment environment, suitable for those looking for steady growth without the volatility of more expensive markets. With a significant portion of the population owning homes, the rental market may be less competitive but also less in demand, making it crucial for investors to target specific niches, such as first-time renters or families seeking affordable options. The median income supports the potential for higher rent or mortgage payments, but investors must consider the local economy's stability and job market to ensure consistent cash flows. Overall, Bainbridge offers a stable, if not high-growth, real estate market for cautious investors.

Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.