Location: Northumberland County, PA | Metro: Northumberland County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 17881 reveals a favorable environment for cashflow generation. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the Northumberland County, PA metro area is set at $970 for fiscal year 2026. In comparison, the current market rent, as reported by the Census ACS, stands at $697. This significant gap indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow at the FMR rate, providing a reliable and positive financial outcome for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
To further understand the investment potential, we can examine the rent-to-price ratio using the median home value of $117,465. With a monthly market rent of $697, the annual rent would be approximately $8,364. Dividing this by the median home value yields a rent-to-price ratio of about 7.1%. This relatively low ratio suggests that the area is more suitable for rental investment rather than home purchase, given the higher potential returns on rental properties compared to the cost of owning a home.
In terms of the days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts, these metrics are not available for ZIP 17881. However, the absence of such data does not detract from the strong cashflow opportunity presented by the disparity between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent. The stability of rental income in this area, combined with the positive cashflow from voucher tenants, makes it an attractive option for investors seeking consistent returns.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 17881 is undoubtedly cashflow, due to the substantial difference between the HUD FMR and the current market rent. This allows investors to secure steady and above-average rental income without the need for premium units, making it an efficient and profitable investment strategy.
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.