Location: Lancaster, PA | Metro: Lancaster, 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 | $1,160 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,260 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,990 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,050 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,378 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,663 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,876 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,020 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,560 | $455,282 | 0.34% | F |
| 3BR | $1,990 | $460,950 | 0.43% | F |
| 4BR | $2,050 | $605,509 | 0.34% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 17529, located in Gordonville, PA, is characterized by a substantial rental market presence, with 38.3% of the population being renters. This indicates that it is indeed a renter-heavy area, which suggests there could be significant demand for Section 8 vouchers among tenants. The median household income stands at $80,050, providing a benchmark against which rental costs can be evaluated.
In this area, the market rent averages $1,235 per month. To put this into perspective, the typical rent consumes approximately 15.4% of the median household income. This percentage is calculated by dividing the monthly rent by the annual median income ($1,235 / $80,050 * 12), indicating that the cost of housing is relatively manageable for most residents.
Comparatively, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,430 per month for FY 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge under the Section 8 program, and it is higher than the current market rent. This suggests that landlords participating in the Section 8 program might see their rents slightly increase, aligning with the government's benchmark for affordable housing.
A landlord in Gordonville, PA, should anticipate tenants who rely on Section 8 vouchers due to the high percentage of renters and the presence of a lower-income segment of the population. These tenants will have their rent subsidized up to the FMR level, making it feasible for them to afford housing in the area despite their financial constraints.
The tenant profile here is likely to include individuals and families who benefit from government assistance programs. Landlords must ensure they comply with HUD regulations and are prepared to manage the administrative requirements associated with the Section 8 program. Despite these considerations, the potential for stable tenancy and government-backed rent payments makes this a viable option for landlords in Gordonville, PA.
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.