Location: Clinton County, PA | Metro: Clinton County, PA
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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,984 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,222 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,400 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,040 | $189,822 | 0.55% | F |
| 3BR | $1,360 | $230,923 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $1,710 | $282,890 | 0.6% | D |
| 5BR | $1,984 | $312,671 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls of investing in ZIP 17751 under the Section 8 program are significant and must be carefully considered. First, tenant turnover poses a substantial challenge, with market rents at $923 compared to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,010 for the fiscal year 2026 in the metro area. This discrepancy suggests that landlords might face difficulties in attracting tenants who can afford the higher FMR rates, leading to higher turnover and increased costs associated with finding new tenants.
Vacancy exposure is another critical issue. The average days on market (DOM) for properties in this ZIP code is not available, which makes it challenging to predict how long a property might remain vacant between tenancies. High vacancy periods can lead to significant financial losses for landlords, especially when considering the time and resources required to manage and maintain properties during these periods.
Deferred maintenance is also a concern. With a typical home value of $218,909 and a median income of $75,072, many homeowners may struggle to keep up with necessary repairs and improvements. This can translate into higher maintenance costs for landlords who must ensure their properties meet the standards set by the Section 8 program. These costs can quickly add up, reducing overall profitability.
Despite these challenges, there are several factors that mitigate the risks. The renter share in ZIP 17751 stands at 21.3%, indicating a relatively high concentration of renters. This high density often correlates with a greater demand for rental units, particularly those supported by housing vouchers. In areas with a significant number of renters, the likelihood of finding tenants willing to use Section 8 vouchers increases, thereby stabilizing occupancy rates.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.