Location: Schuylkill County, PA | Metro: Schuylkill County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,833 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,217 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,328 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 17946 in Schuylkill County, PA, reveals several critical points for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The first question to address is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,070 for fiscal year 2026, is a key benchmark. However, due to limited market data, it's unclear if this aligns with actual market rents. Without current market rent figures, it's challenging to determine if the FMR accurately reflects what tenants can afford or what landlords can charge.
Regarding the affordability of acquisitions, the lack of specific data on median home values, days on market (DOM), and the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut makes it difficult to assess the ease of purchasing properties. Landlords need to be cautious about entering this market without a clear understanding of property values and how long it takes to sell or buy a home.
Tenant demand is another crucial factor. With a population of only 185, the ZIP code has a very low tenant share of 0.0%. This indicates that the vast majority of residents likely own their homes, which suggests a limited pool of potential renters. For landlords, this means that finding tenants could be particularly challenging and requires a careful assessment of the local rental market dynamics.
In summary, while the FMR provides a guideline for rental pricing, the absence of current market data complicates the decision-making process for setting rent. Acquisition costs cannot be assessed due to missing information on home values and sales trends. Most critically, the low population and near-zero renter share suggest that there is little to no tenant demand in ZIP 17946. Therefore, the investment potential appears weak, and caution is advised before committing resources to this area.
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.