Location: Williamsport, PA | Metro: Williamsport, 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 | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,830 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,378 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,568 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,696 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,240 | $194,119 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $1,650 | $268,534 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP 17744 (Linden, PA, Lycoming County, Williamsport, PA MSA metro) reveals a favorable environment for cashflow generation. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $970 for fiscal year 2024, while the Census ACS reports a market rent of $798. This means that voucher tenants will generate positive cashflow at the FMR rate, indicating a marginally higher income compared to the average market rent.
The median home value in ZIP 17744 is $253,651, which allows us to derive a rent-to-price ratio. Using the HUD FMR of $970, the annual rent would be approximately $11,640. This results in a rent-to-price ratio of about 4.6%, calculated as $11,640 divided by $253,651. A low rent-to-price ratio suggests that properties in this area may be more attractive for purchase rather than rental investment, but the presence of Section 8 vouchers can mitigate this by ensuring steady rental income.
The data on days on market (DOM) and price cut shares are not available, but these metrics are generally less relevant for Section 8 investors given the guaranteed income stream from the federal government. Instead, the primary focus should be on the positive cashflow potential, which is substantial in this area due to the difference between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 17744 is cashflow. With the HUD FMR significantly above the market rent, landlords can expect consistent and reliable income from Section 8 tenants, making it an attractive option for those seeking stable returns on their investments.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.