Location: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | Metro: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,210 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,410 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,140 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,310 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,680 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,002 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,242 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,404 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 18086 is situated within the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area. Its Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1370. This figure serves as a benchmark for affordable housing standards within the area.
The market rent and home value data for ZIP 18086 are currently unavailable. However, the renter share stands at 8.7%, indicating that nearly 9% of households in this ZIP code are renters. This percentage can be used to infer the dynamics of the rental market relative to other ZIP codes within the same metro area.
To determine if ZIP 18086 represents a value pocket, a mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market within the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metro, we must consider the FMR in context with the broader metro area's data. Given that the FMR of $1370 is likely lower than the average market rents in the metro area, this suggests that 18086 could be considered a value pocket. Value pockets typically offer more affordable options for both tenants and investors looking for properties with lower acquisition costs and rental income expectations.
The high renter share of 8.7% without corresponding data on home values often points towards areas where rental properties are more prevalent, possibly due to lower homeownership rates. In the absence of specific home value data, this characteristic can indicate a potential sweet spot for Section 8 investments. Areas with a significant renter population and lower home values tend to attract more low-income renters who rely on government assistance programs like Section 8.
Without complete market rent and home value data, it's challenging to make a definitive classification of 18086 as a mid-tier or premium sub-market. However, the combination of a defined FMR and a notable renter share suggests that it leans more towards being a value pocket within the larger Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metro area.
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.