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 | $1,020 |
| 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 | $316,851 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $1,380 | $402,291 | 0.34% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 17960, with a population of 4,264, has a relatively modest percentage of renters at 15.7%. This indicates that it is not a renter-heavy area but rather a community where homeownership is more prevalent. The median household income stands at $73,281, which provides a baseline for understanding the economic context of potential tenants.
In terms of rental affordability, the typical market rent of $897 consumes approximately 12.3% of the median household income. This is calculated by dividing the monthly rent by the annual median income ($897 / $73,281 * 12 months = 12.3%). Given the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,020 for FY 2026, which is higher than the current market rate, there is a slight cushion for landlords who can command rents closer to the FMR without overburdening tenants financially.
The disparity between the market rent and the FMR suggests that while there is some demand for Section 8 vouchers, it is not overwhelming. Landlords in this ZIP should anticipate tenants who are financially stable and capable of paying market rates without significant reliance on housing assistance programs. However, the presence of any voucher holders would be limited due to the lower overall renter population and the relatively high median income.
To summarize, landlords in ZIP 17960 should expect a tenant pool that is primarily composed of individuals and families who are likely to have steady incomes and the ability to pay market rents. While some tenants might use vouchers, the majority will likely pay out-of-pocket, making this area less dependent on government subsidies for housing.
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.