Location: Schuylkill County, PA | Metro: Northumberland County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,612 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,805 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,046 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 17941 are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code, the SAFMR for fiscal year 2026 is $970. This figure represents the maximum amount that HUD will reimburse landlords for rental housing.
In contrast, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit, based on Census ACS data, is $829. This lower figure reflects the average rent charged for similar units in the area without the assistance of a Section 8 voucher.
When a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher, they are responsible for paying a portion of the rent themselves, typically 30% of their adjusted income. Additionally, there are utility allowances that can vary but are generally around $200 per month for a two-bedroom unit. These allowances cover some of the tenant's utility costs, which are also factored into the overall payment structure.
To walk through an example, if the local market rent is $829 and the tenant's portion is 30%, then the tenant would pay approximately $249 ($829 * 0.30). The remaining 70% would be covered by the voucher program, which is $580 ($829 * 0.70), plus the utility allowance of $200. Therefore, the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $780 ($580 + $200).
However, it's important to note that the reimbursement is capped at the SAFMR of $970. If the market rent were higher, say $1,000, the tenant would still pay 30% of their income, and the voucher would cover up to $770 ($1,000 * 0.70), but the total reimbursement would not exceed the SAFMR cap of $970.
In ZIP code 17941, where the market rent is $829, the SAFMR of $970 ensures that landlords receive a surplus of $141 per month over the local market rate. This surplus can help offset any potential losses from vacancy or maintenance costs, providing a financial cushion for landlords who participate in the Section 8 program.
Landlords should be aware that the SAFMR applies specifically to this ZIP code, meaning it is tailored to reflect the unique cost of living in this area. This specificity can sometimes lead to discrepancies between the SAFMR and the actual market rents, but it also ensures that the reimbursement rates are appropriate for the local housing market.
In summary, for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP code 17941, the typical reimbursement under a Section 8 voucher is $780 when the local market rent is $829, resulting in a surplus of $141 for landlords. This surplus provides a clear incentive for landlords to consider participating in the program, given the stable and predictable income stream it offers.
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.