Location: Schuylkill County, PA | Metro: Columbia County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,902 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,415 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 17985, located within the Schuylkill County, PA metro area, presents an interesting mix of economic indicators that can be analyzed to determine its market position. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 17985 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1350. This figure is higher than the actual market rent of $825, indicating a potential gap where landlords could see increased demand if rents are kept closer to the market rate.
The median home value in ZIP 17985 is $231,815, which is likely representative of the broader county's average home value but may vary depending on specific property types and conditions. A lower-than-average FMR relative to home values suggests that this area might be more affordable for renters, particularly those receiving housing assistance.
The renter share in ZIP 17985 is 5.4%, which is a relatively low percentage compared to many urban areas but must be contextualized within the broader Schuylkill County, PA metro. If the county has a higher average renter share, then ZIP 17985 stands out as having fewer rental properties, potentially making it less attractive for landlords seeking a high volume of tenants.
Based on these figures, ZIP 17985 appears to be a value pocket within the metro area. The discrepancy between the FMR and the actual market rent, combined with the below-average renter share, suggests that while there is a segment of the population benefiting from subsidized housing, the overall rental market is not highly competitive. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, this could mean an opportunity to offer affordable rental units that attract both assisted and non-assisted tenants.
To further clarify its position, a comparison against other ZIP codes within Schuylkill County would reveal how unique or common these characteristics are. However, given the specific data points, ZIP 17985 seems to present a niche opportunity for investors looking to balance affordability with reasonable returns.
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.