Location: Schuylkill County, PA | Metro: Schuylkill County, PA
| 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 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 17981, located in Schuylkill County, PA metro, reveals a favorable environment for cashflow generation. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $970 for fiscal year 2026, which is higher than the reported market rent of $869 based on Census ACS data. This indicates that voucher tenants will likely provide positive cashflow at the FMR rate without the need for premium units.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $105,518. Using this figure, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio. With an average monthly rent of $869, the annual rent is approximately $10,428. Dividing this by the median home value gives us a rent-to-price ratio of about 10%, suggesting that rental income can be a significant portion of the property's value.
Note that the median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts are not available, but these metrics typically play a role in assessing the balance between renting and buying. Given the current data, it appears that the primary driver for investors should be the strong cashflow potential due to the discrepancy between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 17981 is cashflow. The higher HUD FMR compared to the local market rent ensures a reliable source of positive cashflow for landlords and small-portfolio investors who participate in the Section 8 program.
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.