Location: Schuylkill County, PA | Metro: Schuylkill County, PA
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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,601 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,936 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,033 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,330 | $245,865 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP code 18214 hinges on analyzing its yield potential and stability metrics. On the yield axis, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, while the market rent stands at $815. This indicates that properties in this ZIP code can potentially command rents above the market average, aligning with the higher FMR benchmark. The median home value is significantly higher at $234,015, which suggests that property investments could be quite substantial.
Moving to the stability axis, the percentage of renters in ZIP 18214 is 8.7%, which is relatively low compared to typical rental markets. The lack of data on days on market (DOM) implies that there isn't enough information to gauge how quickly rental properties might turn over, which is crucial for assessing the market's liquidity. However, the median household income of $82,375 provides some insight into the economic health of the area, indicating that tenants likely have the financial capacity to pay higher rents.
Based on these figures, ZIP 18214 leans towards being a steady-cashflow zone rather than a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market. The higher FMR suggests good rental income potential, but the low percentage of renters points to a less dynamic rental market. While the median income supports the ability to pay higher rents, it does not necessarily correlate to a high turnover rate or speculative investment opportunities.
To summarize, the combination of higher-than-market FMRs and solid median incomes supports a stable cash flow scenario. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should focus on long-term rental strategies here, expecting reasonable returns without the volatility associated with flip-style markets. The significant median home value also implies that property investments are likely to be more capital-intensive, further emphasizing the need for a stable and predictable rental environment.
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.