Location: Columbia County, PA | Metro: Columbia County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,717 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,923 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,077 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 17888 stands out due to its unique demographic characteristics. With only 446 residents, it has a very low population density, which is unusual for most areas. Additionally, 12.6% of these residents are renters, indicating that the majority of the population owns their homes. However, the lack of available data on median income and median home value suggests that this ZIP code might have a limited sample size, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about the economic status of its residents.
Turning to the voucher economics, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 17888 is set at $1060 for fiscal year 2024. This is notably higher than the current market rent, which is estimated at $677 according to the Census American Community Survey. This discrepancy means that landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers can expect to receive higher rents compared to the local market rate, providing a financial incentive to participate in the program. The higher FMR also indicates that there is a significant subsidy available for eligible tenants, helping to bridge the gap between affordable housing and the actual cost of living in the area.
The data signature for ZIP 17888 reads as stable rather than transitional. Despite the limited demographic data, the consistent trend of a higher FMR compared to the market rent suggests that the housing support system remains robust. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider accepting Section 8 vouchers as a way to ensure steady rental income while providing affordable housing options to tenants in need. The stability in the voucher system can be a reliable source of income in an otherwise data-scarce environment.
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.