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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $970 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,995 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,234 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,413 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,534 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,170 | $219,613 | 0.53% | F |
| 3BR | $1,560 | $290,164 | 0.54% | F |
| 4BR | $1,720 | $341,672 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 17771, located in Trout Run, PA, within the Williamsport, PA MSA metro area, is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The primary reason for this classification is the minimal difference between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the market rent for the area. For fiscal year 2024, the FMR for ZIP 17771 is set at $920, while the market rent is slightly higher at $922. This narrow spread ensures that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can maintain steady cash flows without significant fluctuations due to rent subsidies.
The median home value in ZIP 17771 stands at $263,295, which is relatively stable and does not indicate a strong potential for rapid appreciation. Furthermore, the lack of data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM) suggests that there isn't a clear trend towards either appreciation or depreciation in property values, making it less suitable as an investment for capital gains.
ZIP 17771's 15.3% renter share indicates a moderate demand for rental properties, which aligns well with the stability required for a cash-flow anchor. Additionally, the median household income of $71,016 suggests that residents have sufficient financial means to pay their portion of the rent, further supporting the reliability of this ZIP code as a cash-flow anchor.
In conclusion, ZIP 17771 offers a secure and predictable cash flow for landlords and small-portfolio investors participating in the Section 8 program. The nearly identical FMR and market rent figures ensure that rental income remains consistent, making it an ideal choice for those looking to stabilize their portfolio's performance.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.