Location: Lancaster, PA | Metro: Lancaster, PA MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,330 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,450 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,790 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,726 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,297 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,462 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To determine if a landlord should buy in ZIP code 17519 (East Earl, PA) for Section 8 investments, follow these steps:
Step 1: Does the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1370 cover the debt service on a property valued at $428,561?
Yes. If the debt service (including mortgage payments, insurance, taxes, and maintenance) is less than $1370 per month, then the FMR can cover these costs. This makes the property financially viable under Section 8 guidelines.
No. If the monthly debt service exceeds $1370, the landlord will need to either increase the rent beyond the FMR or find other ways to offset the costs. This could make the investment unprofitable or difficult to manage under Section 8.
Step 2: Is the market rent of $1,524 (from Census ACS) above, at, or below the FMR?
Above. If the market rent is higher than the FMR ($1,524 vs. $1370), landlords may face challenges renting out properties at the lower FMR rate. They must decide whether they can attract tenants willing to pay the FMR or if they need to adjust their expectations.
At or Below. If the market rent is close to or below the FMR, landlords can more easily align their rental rates with what is acceptable under Section 8. This scenario presents fewer barriers to finding tenants and maintaining occupancy.
Step 3: Do the 31.8% of renters and N/A-day days on the market indicate sufficient demand?
It Depends. The 31.8% of renters suggests there is a moderate level of demand in East Earl, PA. However, the lack of data on days on the market (DOM) means we cannot fully assess how quickly properties are rented. If the area has a strong rental market despite the limited DOM data, the answer would lean towards yes. Otherwise, further investigation into local rental trends and competition is necessary to confirm demand stability.
In summary, if the FMR of $1370 covers the debt service and the market rent is at or below the FMR, then purchasing in ZIP 17519 is advisable. However, given the limited data on DOM, landlords must verify that the 31.8% of renters translates into a robust and stable demand for rental properties. This will ensure a successful Section 8 investment.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.