Location: Schuylkill County, PA | Metro: Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA MSA
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 | $1,020 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,920 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,100 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,436 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,728 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,946 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,460 | $172,424 | 0.85% | C |
| 3BR | $1,920 | $278,499 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $2,100 | $358,354 | 0.59% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Positioned within the Schuylkill County, PA metro, ZIP code 18202 (Hazleton, PA) presents distinct characteristics compared to typical ZIP codes in the region. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for 18202 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1090. This figure represents the maximum amount that a household participating in the Section 8 housing choice voucher program can be expected to pay towards their monthly rent.
When juxtaposed against the broader market rent of $1500 for the area, it becomes evident that ZIP 18202 offers rental properties at a significant discount. This suggests that it could be considered a value pocket within the Schuylkill County metro, particularly appealing to those seeking affordable housing options.
The median home value in 18202 stands at $245,400, which is lower than many other areas in the county. This indicates that property owners in this ZIP might find themselves in a position where they can offer rentals at a lower rate without significantly impacting their investment returns.
A notable feature of ZIP 18202 is its substantial renter share of 27.2%. This percentage is higher than what is typically observed in the county. The combination of a high renter share with below-average home values suggests that this area could be an attractive location for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to capitalize on the demand for affordable rental housing.
In summary, based on the provided figures, ZIP 18202 appears to be a value pocket within the Schuylkill County metro. Its lower FMR and market rent, coupled with a high renter share and below-average home values, make it an ideal candidate for investors interested in leveraging the benefits of the Section 8 program while catering to a large segment of renters seeking cost-effective housing solutions.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.