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 | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,820 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,111 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,364 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,553 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,681 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,510 | $238,213 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To determine if a landlord should buy in ZIP code 17855 for Section 8 purposes, follow this decision tree:
1) Does the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,110 cover the debt service on a property priced at $227,856?
Yes. The FMR of $1,110 per month can typically clear the debt service on a property valued at $227,856. This assumes a reasonable interest rate and loan terms that do not exceed the monthly rental income. Landlords can secure a mortgage with payments that fall within the FMR, making the investment viable.
No. If the debt service exceeds the FMR of $1,110, then purchasing a property for $227,856 would not be advisable under Section 8 guidelines. Landlords would need to find properties with lower purchase prices to ensure the FMR covers the debt service.
2) How does the market rent of $1,080 compare to the FMR?
Above. If the market rent were above $1,110, landlords would still aim for the FMR to ensure compliance with Section 8 guidelines. However, since the actual market rent is below the FMR, there's no issue here.
At. The market rent being exactly at the FMR would mean that landlords could expect to receive the maximum allowable rent under Section 8 without any adjustments.
Below. With a market rent of $1,080, which is below the FMR, landlords can set their rents at the FMR level of $1,110, thus maximizing their potential income while remaining within Section 8 parameters.
3) Is there sufficient demand with 12.7% of residents renting and an unknown number of days on the market (DOM)?
It depends. With 12.7% of residents renting, there is a moderate level of rental demand. However, the lack of data on the average days on the market makes it difficult to assess how quickly properties might be rented out. Landlords will need to consider other factors such as vacancy rates and the local economy to make a final decision.
In conclusion, the FMR of $1,110 can support a property valued at $227,856, and the market rent being below this figure allows for maximization of rental income. However, the decision to invest hinges on the availability of more detailed market data to confirm the demand for rental properties in ZIP code 17855.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.