Location: Northumberland County, PA | Metro: Northumberland County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
34.2% of residents in ZIP code 17836 are renters, indicating a significant portion of the population relies on rental housing. In this context, the $970 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 stands as a critical benchmark for landlords. Meanwhile, the $933 market rent, derived from Census ACS data, reflects the actual rents being paid by tenants, suggesting a slight gap between the FMR and what the market currently bears.
$91,250 is the median income for this ZIP code, which is crucial for understanding the financial capacity of potential tenants. This figure indicates that most households can afford the market rent, but it also highlights the importance of maintaining properties at or below the FMR to attract Section 8 eligible tenants. The absence of data for days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price-cut shares suggests a stable market with little fluctuation in property values and sales activity.
In ZIP 17836, the lack of median home value data points to a predominantly rental-focused market, aligning well with the high renter share. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, these figures underscore the necessity of keeping rents competitive with both the FMR and market rates. Given the strong alignment between the median income and current market rents, properties priced at or slightly below the $970 FMR will likely perform well.
The $970 FMR serves as a ceiling for Section 8 rents, meaning landlords must ensure their properties do not exceed this amount to qualify for the program. With the $933 market rent already close to the FMR, adjustments might be necessary to meet the requirements without significantly reducing revenue.
A final consideration for investors is the potential for increased demand due to the high renter share. This could lead to higher occupancy rates and stability, beneficial for long-term investment strategies.
Verdict: ZIP 17836 presents a favorable environment for Section 8 participation, given the high renter share and competitive alignment between median income and FMR.
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.