Location: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA | Metro: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,250 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,370 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,150 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,494 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,016 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,167 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,630 | $396,364 | 0.41% | F |
| 3BR | $1,960 | $486,100 | 0.4% | F |
| 4BR | $2,150 | $774,398 | 0.28% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
19.9% of Riegelsville, PA residents are renters, a figure that aligns with the area's $1,133 average market rent as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 18077, set at $1780 for fiscal year 2024, indicates a clear premium over the market rate, which could be beneficial for landlords participating in the Section 8 program. With a median home value of $518,091, the cost of living in Riegelsville is notably higher, making the FMR a significant benchmark for rental properties. Landlords can leverage this gap between the market rent and the FMR to ensure their properties remain attractive to tenants while maintaining profitability.
$97,917 is the median income for the area, suggesting that a portion of the population may qualify for housing assistance through the Section 8 program. While the specific day DOM (days on market) and percentage of price-cut share are not available, these data points would typically help gauge the local real estate market's health and the potential challenges landlords might face in finding and retaining tenants. Given the disparity between the FMR and the market rent, landlords in Riegelsville can expect a steady demand for their properties from those seeking affordable housing solutions.
The Section 8 program provides a guaranteed source of rental income, which is especially valuable in areas where the market rent is lower than the FMR. In ZIP 18077, the program's stipend of $1780 per month covers a substantial portion of the average market rent, making it an attractive option for both landlords and low-income families. This support helps mitigate the risks associated with renting to tenants who might otherwise struggle to afford housing in a high-cost area like Riegelsville.
In conclusion, the data suggest that Riegelsville, PA offers a favorable environment for landlords willing to participate in the Section 8 program, with a notable difference between the FMR and market rent, and a significant portion of the population potentially qualifying for assistance. The program's benefits, including guaranteed income and reduced vacancy rates, outweigh the limitations, such as administrative requirements and inspection standards. For small-portfolio investors, the opportunity to diversify their holdings with Section 8 properties while maintaining a solid rental income is compelling. Verdict: Riegelsville, PA is a good fit for Section 8 investments.
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.