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 | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,429 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,623 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,754 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,270 | $225,255 | 0.56% | F |
| 3BR | $1,690 | $283,456 | 0.6% | F |
| 4BR | $1,870 | $370,576 | 0.5% | F |
| 5BR | $2,169 | $415,283 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
1170 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 17754, Montoursville, PA, as set for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount a landlord can charge for a Section 8 voucher in the area. In contrast, the market rent, according to Census ACS data, stands at 959, indicating a gap between government-set rents and the private market. The median home value in the region is 282,736, which provides a benchmark for property values but does not directly impact rental decisions. With a 22.1 percent renter share, it's clear that a significant portion of the population relies on rental housing, creating demand for properties available for lease. The median income of 72,633 suggests that tenants must carefully manage their finances, given the relatively high cost of living in the area. While the days on market (DOM) is listed as N/A, this likely indicates that data is not readily available or is not a critical factor in the analysis. The price-cut share of 0.2 percent reveals that very few properties are being discounted, which could signal a stable market with little need for aggressive pricing strategies.
Investors should note that the difference between the FMR and the market rent offers an opportunity to serve both voucher holders and those willing to pay more. However, the limited price-cut share and stable median home value suggest that competition among landlords is minimal, and maintaining rents close to the FMR is feasible without risking vacancy. Given the data, landlords and small-portfolio investors in Montoursville, PA, can expect a solid, if not highly dynamic, market environment where properties are valued and rented consistently.
Section 8 verdict: Acceptable for investors seeking stable, moderate-income rental markets.
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.