Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 17859 - 2027

Location: Columbia County, PA | Metro: Columbia County, PA

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$710
1 Bedroom	$850
2 Bedrooms	$1,030
3 Bedrooms	$1,240
4 Bedrooms	$1,420
5 Bedrooms	$1,647
6 Bedrooms	$1,845
7 Bedrooms	$1,993
8 Bedrooms	$2,093

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

2,701

Median Household Income

$75,515

Housing Units

1,336

Renter Percentage

10.8%

Occupancy Rate

78.7%

Renter Occupied

113

The ZIP code 17859, located in Pennsylvania, is a suburban area known for its quiet neighborhoods and proximity to larger cities, offering a mix of residential properties that cater to both homeowners and renters. This analysis provides insights into the rental market dynamics, focusing on key metrics relevant to landlords and small-portfolio investors.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 17859 for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1060. This figure represents the median rent price for a two-bedroom apartment, which serves as a benchmark for affordable housing standards.
The average market rent for the area, according to the latest Census ACS data, stands at $842. This indicates that the actual rents charged are below the FMR, suggesting a competitive market where landlords must balance affordability with profitability.
The median home value in ZIP 17859 is currently N/A, which could imply that the area lacks comprehensive recent data on home values, possibly due to limited transactions or reporting discrepancies.
Renters make up 10.8% of the housing stock in this ZIP code, indicating a relatively low demand for rental properties compared to owner-occupied homes.
The Days on Market (DOM) for rental listings is N/A, which might suggest that the data is not consistently available or that rental properties are typically listed and leased quickly, reducing the need for extensive tracking.
The median household income in ZIP 17859 is $75,515, providing a context for the economic stability and potential rental pricing power within the community.

Synthesizing these points, investors in ZIP 17859 can expect a rental market that is slightly below the federal benchmarks but offers stable returns given the median income levels. The low percentage of renters suggests that the area is primarily composed of owner-occupiers, which could limit the pool of potential tenants. However, the quick leasing times indicated by the lack of DOM data suggest a strong local demand for rental units. Given the competitive nature of the market, landlords should focus on maintaining properties that offer good value for money to attract tenants, ensuring that rental prices remain below the FMR but above the market average to maximize profitability. Overall, ZIP 17859 presents a moderate investment opportunity with room for strategic property management and rental pricing adjustments to stay competitive while achieving financial goals.

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.