Location: Williamsport, 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 ZIP code 17739 presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, especially when comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1030 for FY 2024. The lack of data on market rents makes it difficult to gauge the financial viability of properties in this area. Additionally, the vacancy exposure is heightened due to the absence of information on the days on market (DOM), indicating potential difficulty in finding tenants quickly. Deferred maintenance is another issue, given the limited data on typical home values and the median income of $55,417. This suggests that residents might struggle to afford substantial home improvements, leading to higher maintenance costs for landlords.
Despite these risks, the high concentration of renters—comprising 6.7% of the population—typically translates into robust demand for rental housing, including units that accept Section 8 vouchers. A larger pool of potential tenants can mitigate some of the risks associated with vacancy and turnover rates, as there is a higher likelihood of finding eligible and interested voucher holders. Furthermore, the presence of a significant number of renters often correlates with a stronger rental market, which can provide stability and predictability for landlords.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.