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 | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $114,441 | 0.88% | C |
| 3BR | $1,340 | $188,897 | 0.71% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A landlord considering purchasing property in ZIP code 17760, North Bend, PA, for Section 8 purposes should follow this decision tree:
Step 1: Evaluate if the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $970 can cover the debt service on a property valued at $114,128. The FMR represents the maximum amount that HUD will pay landlords for Section 8 rental assistance. To determine if this amount clears the debt service, you need to calculate the monthly mortgage payment based on the property value. Assuming a typical mortgage rate of 4% and a 30-year term, the monthly mortgage payment would be approximately $550. This does not include property taxes, insurance, and other maintenance costs. With an FMR of $970, the difference of $420 per month could be used to cover these additional expenses, making it feasible to clear debt service.
Step 2: Compare the market rent of $871, derived from the Census ACS data, against the FMR. In this case, the market rent is below the FMR, indicating that landlords participating in the Section 8 program could potentially receive higher rents compared to the average market rent. This makes the area attractive for Section 8 investments as it allows for a margin above the prevailing market rates.
Step 3: Assess the rental demand in the area. ZIP 17760 has 8.8% of its population as renters, and the days on market (DOM) is listed as N/A, which might suggest either limited data or a quick rental market. Given the percentage of renters, there is a modest demand for rental properties. However, the lack of DOM data makes it difficult to assess how quickly properties are leased. If the DOM is indeed low, this would support a positive outlook on demand. Otherwise, the modest renter percentage suggests it may depend on other factors such as vacancy rates and economic conditions.
If the FMR of $970 covers the debt service and provides a buffer for other costs, and the market rent is below the FMR, then the answer is yes. There is potential for landlords to participate in the Section 8 program profitably. However, if the rental demand is insufficient due to high vacancy rates or poor economic conditions, the answer shifts to it depends. Landlords should consider additional factors such as the local job market, population growth trends, and competition from non-Section 8 rentals.
In summary, for ZIP 17760, the financials and market comparison favor Section 8 investment, but the decision ultimately hinges on the strength of rental demand. With 8.8% of residents renting, landlords should further investigate local economic stability and competition levels before making a final decision.
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.