Location: Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, 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 | $1,150 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,340 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,050 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,564 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,872 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,102 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,257 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,050 | $180,126 | 1.14% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 18216 is set at $1260 for the fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the payment standard for landlords participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. It does not reflect the actual rent you can charge, but rather the maximum amount that the government will pay on behalf of eligible tenants.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in ZIP 18216, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, is $1246. This indicates that the FMR is slightly above the market rate, providing a reasonable incentive for landlords to participate in the program.
With a renter share of 33.6%, there is a significant demand for rental properties in this area. This means that over one-third of households are renters, creating a substantial pool of potential tenants who might be interested in Section 8 housing.
The median household income in ZIP 18216 is $165,488. While this figure is higher than the typical income of a Section 8 participant, it still provides insight into the overall economic landscape. Landlords should ensure that the property they plan to offer under Section 8 meets the necessary quality standards to qualify for the program, as the income level of the residents will be lower than the median.
Before deciding to enroll your property in the Section 8 program, it is crucial to verify that your rental unit meets the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These standards cover a range of issues including structural integrity, safety, and compliance with local building codes. Failure to meet these standards could result in disqualification from the program.
In summary, the FMR of $1260 for ZIP 18216 is designed to cover the costs of renting a modest-quality unit. Given the local average rent of $1246, the FMR aligns closely with market conditions, making participation in the Section 8 program financially viable. The high renter share suggests strong demand for affordable housing, and while the median income is higher, it is essential to focus on ensuring your property meets HQS requirements.
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.