Location: Schuylkill County, PA | Metro: Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSA
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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,965 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,350 | $159,917 | 0.84% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment landscape in ZIP 17980 for Section 8 landlords presents several challenges that must be carefully considered. Tenant turnover is a significant risk factor, with the market rent at $841 being notably lower than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1110 for FY 2024. This disparity can lead to higher tenant mobility, as individuals may seek better rental deals outside the program. Landlords should prepare for increased churn and the associated costs of re-leasing units.
Vacancy exposure is another critical issue. The Days on Market (DOM) for properties in this area is not available, which makes it difficult to predict how long units might remain vacant. Given the high renter density, however, vacancies may be filled relatively quickly once they arise, though this is speculative without specific data.
Deferred maintenance poses a substantial financial risk. With a typical home value of $148,169 and a median income of $71,210, homeowners may struggle to keep up with necessary repairs and upgrades, especially if their primary income source is rental assistance. This can result in costly maintenance issues for landlords who inherit properties in need of attention.
Despite these risks, the high renter share of 21.1% in ZIP 17980 suggests robust demand for rental housing, including units that accept Section 8 vouchers. A dense rental market typically correlates with a higher concentration of voucher holders, providing a stable pool of potential tenants. This demand can help mitigate the risks posed by turnover and vacancy periods.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.