Location: Union County, PA | Metro: Snyder 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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,891 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,287 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,401 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,140 | $195,967 | 0.58% | F |
| 3BR | $1,440 | $259,922 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 17870, located in Selinsgrove, PA, within the Union County, PA metro area, serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The fundamental reason for this classification lies in the favorable financial metrics associated with the area. For fiscal year 2026, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the Union County, PA metro area is set at $1,100. In contrast, the current market rent for ZIP 17870 stands at $973, indicating a significant spread that benefits landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program provides rental assistance to low-income families, ensuring they pay only a portion of their income towards housing costs. This subsidy structure allows landlords to receive a higher effective rental rate than the market average. With a median home value of $239,072, the area offers stable property values, reducing the risk of capital depreciation. Landlords can rely on consistent cash flow without worrying about fluctuations in property prices.
To further support the cash-flow anchor strategy, consider the low price-cut share of 0.1%, which suggests that properties in ZIP 17870 rarely need to be discounted to attract tenants. Additionally, the median income of $70,339 indicates a relatively stable economic environment, where tenants are likely to maintain their employment status and continue receiving their vouchers. This stability is crucial for long-term cash flow reliability.
In conclusion, ZIP 17870's combination of a substantial spread between FMR and market rent, along with stable property values and economic conditions, makes it an excellent choice for a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio. Landlords can expect reliable returns without the need for frequent adjustments to rental rates or property management strategies.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.