Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 17522 - 2027
Location: Lancaster, PA | Metro: Lancaster, PA MSA
FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates
| Unit Size |
Monthly FMR |
| Studio | $1,010 |
| 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 |
Demographics & Housing Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Median Household Income
$74,828
Housing Authorities Serving ZIP 17522
Ephrata, PA (ZIP 17522) presents a mix of opportunities and challenges for landlords and small-portfolio investors considering Section 8 properties. Let's address some common concerns with the available data.
- Will FMR $1160 (zip FY 2024) cover the mortgage on a $368,111 home? The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 17522 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1160 per month. To determine if this covers a mortgage, we need to consider the interest rate and loan term. Assuming a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at an average rate of 5%, the monthly payment on a $368,111 home would be approximately $1970. This means that the FMR of $1160 does not cover the mortgage payment. Investors would need to rely on other sources of income or consider homes priced lower to ensure the FMR can support the mortgage.
- Is there enough renter demand at 35.5%? With 35.5% of households being renters, there is a significant but not overwhelming demand for rental properties. This percentage suggests a moderate rental market, which could be supportive for landlords. However, the data does not specify the number of households eligible for Section 8 assistance. To make a more informed decision, investors should look into the local housing authority's waiting list and tenant turnover rates to gauge the actual demand for subsidized housing.
- Will vouchers keep pace with $1,314 market rents? The market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 17522 is $1,314 per month. The voucher amount is designed to match the local market conditions, including the FMR. While the voucher amount typically aligns with the FMR, it is important to note that adjustments can occur based on changes in the local rental market. If the FMR increases, so will the voucher amounts. However, the data does not provide historical trends or future projections for FMR adjustments, making it difficult to predict how closely vouchers will track market rents over time.
The data clearly shows that while there is a moderate level of renter demand and vouchers are intended to match market conditions, the FMR of $1160 will not fully cover the mortgage on a $368,111 home. Investors must carefully evaluate their financial situation and possibly seek out properties below this price point to ensure viability under Section 8 guidelines.
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.