Location: Clinton County, 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 | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,183 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,358 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,476 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $900 | $111,069 | 0.81% | C |
| 2BR | $1,080 | $175,556 | 0.62% | D |
| 3BR | $1,430 | $211,487 | 0.68% | D |
| 4BR | $1,680 | $233,025 | 0.72% | D |
| 5BR | $1,949 | $236,253 | 0.82% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP code 17745, located in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, hinges on its balance between yield and stability. On the yield axis, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for 2024 is projected at $1,090, which is notably higher than the market rent of $947. This suggests that properties within this ZIP code could potentially generate above-average rental income relative to their market value. However, the median home value stands at $197,834, indicating that the capital investment required to enter this market is substantial.
Turning to stability, the ZIP code has a rental rate penetration of 36.3%, meaning nearly one-third of residents are tenants, providing a solid base of demand for rental properties. The median household income is $58,555, which, while not exceptionally high, does offer some assurance regarding the ability of tenants to pay rent. Unfortunately, the data lacks a figure for the number of days on the market (DOM), which would be useful in assessing how quickly units can be leased. Despite this missing piece, the overall picture leans towards a market that offers a moderate level of stability.
Based on these figures, ZIP 17745 appears to be neither a high-yield/low-stability 'flip-style' market nor a purely steady-cashflow zone. Instead, it falls into a category that could be described as a moderately stable, above-average yield market. Landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect to achieve better-than-average returns due to the FMR exceeding the market rent. At the same time, the relatively high rental penetration and median income provide a degree of stability that supports consistent cash flow. However, the significant upfront cost associated with property values means that the initial investment is considerable, and returns will be more gradual compared to markets with lower home values and higher rental yields.
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.