Location: Snyder County, PA | Metro: Snyder County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,147 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,254 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 17864 in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, reveals a favorable environment for investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the Snyder County metro area, effective in fiscal year 2026, is set at $1,030. This figure stands above the market rent of $896 reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS), indicating that voucher tenants will typically cashflow at the FMR rate.
To understand the potential returns better, consider the median home value in ZIP 17864, which is $194,926. With an FMR of $1,030, the rent-to-price ratio is approximately 0.62%, calculated by dividing the annualized FMR ($12,360) by the median home value. This low ratio suggests strong rental demand relative to homeownership costs, making it advantageous for investors to focus on rental properties rather than encouraging tenants to buy.
The median Days on Market (DOM) and percentage of homes that experience price cuts are not applicable in this scenario, but the comparison between FMR and market rent clearly shows that voucher holders can afford to pay above the typical market rate. This means that landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect positive cash flow even with standard units, without the need for premium upgrades.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 17864 is cashflow. Given the discrepancy between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent, investors can secure steady income with minimal risk of vacancy, especially considering the robust support from the Section 8 program.
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.