Location: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | Metro: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,660 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,350 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,940 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,170 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,677 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,447 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,669 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 18046 presents an interesting challenge for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to attract Section 8 tenants. With a population of 201, the percentage of renters is reported as 0.0%, indicating that this is predominantly a homeowner-dominated area rather than a renter-heavy ZIP. This suggests that the demand for rental properties using vouchers is likely to be scarce.
The median household income for this area is not available, which complicates the analysis of how much of the local income would typically go towards rent. However, it is important to note that even without specific income data, the lack of renters implies a limited pool of potential Section 8 tenants.
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1940 for fiscal year 2024. Without a specific figure for market rent in ZIP 18046, it's difficult to calculate the exact percentage of local income that would be allocated to rent. Nonetheless, given the low number of renters, it is reasonable to infer that the competition for tenants utilizing vouchers will be minimal, and landlords might find themselves with fewer applications from Section 8 participants compared to areas with higher renter populations.
A landlord in ZIP 18046 should expect a tenant profile that is less likely to include many individuals relying on housing vouchers. The majority of tenants, if any, are likely to be those who can afford market rents without government assistance, reflecting the area's preference for homeownership over renting.
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.