Location: Schuylkill County, PA | Metro: Schuylkill County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,659 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,858 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,107 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 17951, located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This classification is based on the median home value and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026.
The median home value in ZIP 17951 is $159,500, which is below the national average. However, the key metric for determining the cash flow potential of properties within a Section 8 portfolio is the FMR. For the 17951 metro area, the FMR in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,040. This figure represents the maximum amount that a Section 8 tenant can pay in rent for a property in this area.
Given that the median home value is significantly lower than what would be expected in a high-rent area, it suggests that rental properties in this ZIP code are likely to be priced competitively. The FMR of $1,040 provides a stable and predictable source of income for landlords participating in the Section 8 program. Since there is no specific market rent data available for comparison, we can infer that the FMR is designed to reflect the typical rental rates in the area, thus ensuring steady cash flow.
The lack of recent market data and the absence of information on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM) indicate that this ZIP code is not particularly active in terms of speculative real estate investments. Therefore, it does not present strong potential as an appreciation play where investors might seek rapid capital gains.
ZIP 17951 also stands out as a diversifier due to its low renter share of 0.0%, indicating that homeownership is prevalent. However, the median household income of $153,559 suggests that residents have the financial capacity to afford homeownership, making rental demand relatively weak. As a result, focusing on the cash flow aspect through Section 8 participation is more strategic here.
In summary, given the stable FMR and the lack of robust data supporting appreciation plays or diversification strategies, ZIP 17951 serves best as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio. The consistent rental income of $1,040 per unit ensures that landlords can rely on predictable returns without the need for significant price adjustments or waiting periods for property sales.
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.