Location: Schuylkill County, PA | Metro: Northumberland County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,245 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,357 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 17823, located within the Schuylkill County, PA metro area, presents a unique profile compared to typical ZIP codes in the county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,150 for fiscal year 2026, which is higher than the market rent observed at $780. This discrepancy suggests that the actual rental market is less expensive than the federally determined fair market rate, potentially indicating an undervalued rental market.
The median home value in ZIP 17823 stands at $260,577, which is likely lower than the average home value across the broader Schuylkill County metro. A lower home value can be advantageous for landlords looking to purchase properties at a lower cost while still benefiting from the higher FMR.
The renter share in ZIP 17823 is 12.2%, which could be indicative of a mixed housing market. However, the combination of a relatively high renter share with below-average home values might signal a favorable environment for Section 8 investments. Landlords can take advantage of the federal subsidy to support rents that are higher than the current market rates but still within the bounds of affordability.
In summary, ZIP 17823 appears to be a value pocket within the Schuylkill County, PA metro area. The lower home values and market rents, coupled with a decent renter share, make it an attractive location for landlords seeking to maximize their investment returns through Section 8 participation. The potential for leveraging the difference between the market rent and the FMR can provide a competitive edge over other ZIP codes with similar characteristics.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.