Location: Tioga County, PA | Metro: Williamsport, PA MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,010 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,800 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,088 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,339 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,526 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,652 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 17727 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Section 8 Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $1080 for the fiscal year 2024. This figure is specific to this ZIP code, meaning it reflects the local rental conditions accurately.
While the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit is currently unavailable, the SAFMR serves as the benchmark for determining the maximum amount a landlord can charge a tenant who receives Section 8 housing assistance. It's important to note that the actual rent a landlord receives will be influenced by the tenant's portion of the payment and any utility allowances.
A voucher holder is responsible for paying approximately 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. The remaining balance up to the SAFMR is covered by the Housing Choice Voucher program. For instance, if a tenant has an adjusted monthly income of $1500, they would pay around $450 towards rent. The voucher program would then cover the difference between this amount and the SAFMR, which in this case would be $630.
In addition to covering the rent shortfall, the voucher program also provides utility allowances. These vary but typically range from $200 to $400 per month depending on the size of the household and the type of utilities required. Thus, if we consider a utility allowance of $300, the total reimbursement a landlord might receive could be $930 ($630 for rent and $300 for utilities).
This means there is a potential reimbursement gap of $150 for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 17727. Landlords should be aware of this gap and factor it into their decision-making process when considering participation in the Section 8 program. The gap represents the difference between the SAFMR and the total reimbursement received by the landlord.
To summarize, landlords in ZIP 17727 should expect to receive a total of $930 for a two-bedroom unit from the Section 8 program, leaving a reimbursement gap of $150. This economic reality must be carefully considered before entering into a lease agreement with a Section 8 tenant.
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.