Location: Schuylkill County, PA | Metro: Schuylkill County, PA
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| 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 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,330 | $96,059 | 1.38% | A |
| 4BR | $1,380 | $117,067 | 1.18% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 17954, located in Schuylkill County, PA metro, reveals a favorable environment for rental properties. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $970 per month for fiscal year 2026, which is notably higher than the average market rent of $782 based on Census ACS data.
Voucher tenants in this ZIP code will generally cashflow at the HUD FMR, providing a reliable source of income for landlords. The difference between the FMR and the market rent indicates that landlords can expect a positive cash flow when renting to voucher holders at the FMR rate, without the need to seek out premium units specifically. This makes the area attractive for those looking to invest in affordable housing.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $99,719. Using this figure, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 1.17%. This low ratio suggests that buying a home in this area could be more expensive than renting, making it an ideal location for investors focused on rental properties.
The dynamics of days on market (DOM) and price cut shares are not applicable in this context, as they pertain more to the buying market rather than the rental market. However, given the disparity between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent, the primary focus should remain on the rental side, where the positive cash flow is evident.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP code 17954 is cashflow. With the HUD FMR significantly above the market rent, landlords can secure steady income from voucher tenants while maintaining a competitive edge over other rental offerings in the area.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.