Location: Northumberland County, PA | Metro: Northumberland County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $980 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,220 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,900 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,204 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,468 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,665 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,798 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of the Section 8 program in ZIP 17832, Marion Heights, PA, reveals a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. The FMR for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, while the Census ACS data indicates a market rent of $1,156. This means there is a $186 gap between what landlords can charge through Section 8 vouchers and the open-market rent. In percentage terms, the FMR is approximately 84% of the market rent, or conversely, the market rent is 17% higher than the FMR.
The implications for landlords and small-portfolio investors are clear. With an FMR lower than the market rent, housing voucher tenants are likely to occupy units below the prevailing open-market rates. This could translate into a lower net income for landlords who participate in the Section 8 program. Specifically, landlords would receive $970 per month for a unit that could otherwise command $1,156 in the open market, resulting in a loss of $186 per month per unit.
This scenario is anchored in the broader context of ZIP 17832, where 23.4% of residents are renters, the median home value stands at $92,514, and the median household income is $52,569. Given these figures, it's evident that the disparity between FMR and market rent could impact profitability for landlords. However, the Section 8 program provides stability and a reliable source of income, which is essential for maintaining cash flow and property occupancy.
To summarize, the gap between FMR and market rent in ZIP 17832 is $186, or 17%. This difference means that landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers will earn less than they could from open-market tenants, but the program ensures steady income and reduced vacancy rates, making it a strategic choice for some investors despite the financial trade-off.
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.