Location: Union 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 | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,840 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,134 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,390 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,581 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,710 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,190 | $225,015 | 0.53% | F |
| 3BR | $1,600 | $276,194 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In Allenwood, Pennsylvania, located in ZIP code 17810, understanding the economics of Section 8 housing can significantly influence a landlord's decision to participate. For fiscal year 2024, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code is set at $1070. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay towards a tenant's rent under the Section 8 program.
The local market rent, according to the Census ACS, averages around $950 for a two-bedroom unit. This indicates that the SAFMR is higher than the average market rent, which could be advantageous for landlords who wish to participate in the program.
A crucial aspect of Section 8 economics involves the tenant portion of the rent and utility allowances. Tenants are generally required to contribute 30% of their adjusted income toward rent. If a tenant's adjusted income is $1000 per month, they would owe approximately $300 towards rent. The remaining balance, up to the SAFMR of $1070, would be covered by the housing voucher. However, if the tenant's portion plus the utility allowance does not reach the SAFMR, the landlord will not receive the full $1070 reimbursement.
Utility allowances vary but are typically around $200-$300 for a two-bedroom apartment. These allowances are intended to help cover electricity, gas, water, and other essential utilities. The exact amount depends on the household size and local utility costs.
To illustrate, let's assume a tenant contributes $300 and receives a utility allowance of $250. In this case, the total reimbursement a landlord would receive is $550. This leaves a significant gap between the SAFMR and the actual reimbursement received. Landlords must consider this gap when deciding whether to accept Section 8 tenants.
Given the SAFMR of $1070 and an average market rent of $950, there is potential for a landlord to either fill a surplus or maintain stable cash flow. However, due to the tenant contribution and utility allowance, the typical reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom apartment in Allenwood, PA, is around $520. This means landlords might need to adjust their rental rates to align with the average market rent or find ways to manage the economic impact of this gap.
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.