Location: Northumberland County, PA | Metro: Northumberland County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,705 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,166 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 17860, located in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,010, which is slightly above the current market rent of $1,000. This positive spread ensures that properties in this ZIP code will generate stable cash flows for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The median home value in ZIP 17860 stands at $273,652, which is relatively low compared to other areas in Pennsylvania. However, this does not detract from its value as a cash-flow anchor. Instead, it means that landlords can acquire properties at a lower cost, thereby increasing their potential for positive cash flow once they secure tenants through the Section 8 program.
ZIP 17860 does not present significant opportunities as an appreciation play due to the lack of data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM). This indicates that property values are unlikely to experience rapid growth, making it less suitable for short-term speculative investments.
Nor does ZIP 17860 stand out as a primary diversifier, although it does have a 3.2% renter share and a median income of $92,000. These figures suggest a modest demand for rental housing and a middle-class population, but they do not provide enough incentive to balance a portfolio heavily reliant on higher-risk or higher-reward investments.
In conclusion, ZIP 17860 should be considered primarily as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. Its stable rent levels and low median home values ensure steady, reliable returns for investors, without the volatility associated with appreciation plays or the need for diversification.
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.