Location: Columbia County, PA | Metro: Williamsport, PA MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,821 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,203 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 17846 represents a modest-sized community with a population of 3,621 residents. Within this demographic, 21.4% are renters, indicating a relatively balanced mix between homeowners and tenants. This percentage suggests that while there is a significant number of renters, the demand for Section 8 vouchers may not be as high as in areas with a larger proportion of renters.
The median household income in this ZIP code stands at $66,591. When comparing this figure to the market rent of $700, it becomes apparent that typical rent constitutes approximately 13.2% of the local median income. This calculation is derived from dividing the monthly rent by the annual income and multiplying by 12. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 in this ZIP code is $950, which is higher than the current market rent, suggesting that the area is slightly below the federal benchmark for affordable housing.
A landlord in ZIP 17846 should anticipate a tenant pool that includes individuals who can afford market rents but also those who rely on rental assistance programs like Section 8. Given the median income and the market rent, tenants who earn around the median might find the $700 rent manageable without assistance. However, the lower end of the income spectrum will likely require some form of subsidy to cover their living expenses.
To put this into perspective, if we consider the FMR of $950, the $700 market rent is 73.7% of the FMR. This means that properties renting at $700 are well within the affordability range for many households receiving rental assistance, making them attractive to tenants with vouchers.
In summary, ZIP 17846 is not dominated by homeowners nor is it a hotbed for deep voucher demand. Landlords should prepare for a diverse tenant pool, including both independent renters and those utilizing Section 8 vouchers. The balance between the market rent and the median income indicates a stable environment where rental subsidies can play a significant role in facilitating tenancy.
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.