Location: Schuylkill County, PA | Metro: Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA
| 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 real estate market in ZIP 17938 is poised to present a balanced opportunity for both short-term and long-term investors. The median home value stands at $236,220, which provides a solid baseline for evaluating potential rental income and property value growth.
The absence of percentage reductions in listings and the undefined median days on market (DOM) indicate a stable market where neither buyers nor sellers have significant leverage. This suggests that pricing power will remain relatively consistent over the next 12-24 months, allowing landlords to maintain current rental rates without substantial adjustments.
On the rental side, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 17938 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1270, while the current market rent based on Census ACS data is $793. This discrepancy highlights a potential upward trend in rental prices, as the FMR typically serves as a benchmark for adjusting rental rates. Landlords can consider gradually increasing rents to align with the FMR, thereby improving cash flow.
For long-hold investors, the realistic appreciation thesis is anchored in the expectation that property values will grow modestly over time, driven by factors such as economic stability, population trends, and local development projects. However, the undefined metrics around listing reductions and DOM imply a cautious approach to valuation increases, suggesting that while appreciation is likely, it may not be robust or rapid.
The combination of a moderate median home value and the potential for rental rate increases makes ZIP 17938 an attractive area for small-portfolio investors looking to balance between capital appreciation and steady rental income. The setup implies a market where careful management of properties and strategic adjustments to rental rates can lead to sustained profitability.
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.