Location: Schuylkill County, PA | Metro: Schuylkill County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,601 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,936 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,033 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 17936, located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metropolitan area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, while the median market rent stands at $775. This indicates a spread of $195 between the FMR and the market rent, making it a favorable environment for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to secure stable, predictable cash flow.
The median home value in ZIP 17936 is currently listed as $165,000, which aligns well with the financial parameters of the Section 8 program. Given the lower market rent compared to the FMR, landlords can expect to receive a higher subsidy amount, thereby ensuring a positive cash flow on their investments. Additionally, the high equity percentage among properties (78.83%) suggests that the market is relatively stable and less prone to rapid depreciation, which further supports the idea of using this ZIP code as a cash-flow anchor.
While appreciation plays and diversifiers have their merits, ZIP 17936 excels as a cash-flow anchor due to its significant spread between FMR and market rent. This spread ensures that landlords can rely on consistent rental income, even if the property values remain static. Furthermore, the low distress rate (0.73%) implies that the majority of homeowners are financially stable, reducing the risk of vacancies and non-payment.
In conclusion, ZIP 17936 serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The substantial difference between the FMR and market rent, coupled with the high equity percentages and low distress rate, makes it a reliable choice for generating steady income. Landlords and investors should consider adding properties in this ZIP code to ensure a robust and predictable cash flow within their portfolios.
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.