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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,750 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,274 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,456 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,579 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,080 | $208,895 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $1,430 | $248,379 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $1,750 | $273,568 | 0.64% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A decision tree for whether to invest in ZIP 17747 (Loganton, PA) for Section 8 properties hinges on three key factors: the Fair Market Rent (FMR), the relationship between FMR and market rent, and the rental demand.
Step 1: Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)
The FMR for ZIP 17747 in fiscal year 2024 is $1080. For a property valued at $235,659, determine if this rent covers the debt service. The DSCR is calculated by dividing the annual net operating income by the total debt service. If the FMR of $1080 does not sufficiently cover the mortgage payments and other expenses, the answer is No. If it does, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Market Rent vs. FMR
The market rent in Loganton, PA, is $925 according to Census ACS data. Compare this to the FMR of $1080. Since the market rent is below the FMR, you can expect that Section 8 tenants will pay the higher rate of $1080, making the investment viable from a pricing perspective. This means the answer is Yes.
Step 3: Rental Demand
To assess rental demand, consider the percentage of renters (17.0%) and the days on the market (DOM) which is listed as N/A. A lower DOM typically indicates high demand, but since it's not available, focus on the 17.0% of the population renting. This figure suggests moderate demand. However, given the higher FMR compared to market rent, landlords can attract Section 8 tenants who will pay the FMR. Therefore, the answer is It Depends. It depends on the landlord's ability to manage the property effectively and the willingness to work with Section 8 programs.
In summary, if the FMR of $1080 clears the debt service on a $235,659 property and the landlord is willing to accept the moderate rental demand indicated by the 17.0% of renters, then investing in ZIP 17747 for Section 8 properties is advisable. The higher FMR compared to the market rent ensures a stable income source, but the landlord must be prepared for potential challenges in attracting and managing Section 8 tenants.
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.