Location: Union County, PA | Metro: Union County, PA
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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $990 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,100 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,352 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,540 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,667 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,080 | $245,180 | 0.44% | F |
| 3BR | $1,500 | $303,412 | 0.49% | F |
| 4BR | $1,810 | $439,293 | 0.41% | F |
| 5BR | $2,100 | $560,879 | 0.37% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 17837, located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, presents a balanced scenario for real estate investment when classified along the axes of yield and stability.
Yield analysis:
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,000 per unit, while the local market rent stands at $1,708. This indicates that there is a significant potential for rental income above the FMR, suggesting a relatively high-yield environment. The median home value of $326,487 provides context for the capital investment required. However, it's important to note that the market rent is nearly double the FMR, which could signal a competitive rental market and possibly higher vacancy rates if rents are too high relative to what tenants can afford.
Stability analysis:
With 34.0% of the population being renters, there is a moderate demand for rental properties. The lack of available data on days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to assess how quickly units might be rented out. The average household income of $88,975 suggests that tenants have a reasonable ability to pay rent, contributing to a stable cash flow. Given the income level and the rental rate, it's likely that the majority of tenants can comfortably afford their monthly rent payments, reducing the risk of non-payment or frequent turnover.
Investment classification:
ZIP 17837 is best categorized as a steady-cashflow zone rather than a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market. The combination of a solid rental income above the FMR and a moderate percentage of renters indicates a stable tenant pool. While the yield is attractive due to the higher market rent, the stability factors—particularly the income level—support a consistent and reliable cash flow. This balance makes it suitable for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for both decent returns and low-risk investment opportunities.
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.