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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,490 | $96,454 | 1.54% | A+ |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 18218 is home to a population of 2,514 residents, with 31.2% identified as renters. This indicates a moderate rental market presence, suggesting that while there is a significant number of tenants, it is not overwhelmingly dominated by renters compared to homeowners. The median household income stands at $59,250, which provides a benchmark for assessing affordability.
A typical market rent of $843 is observed in this area. To put this into perspective, this represents approximately 14.2% of the median household income when considering monthly income. This figure is calculated by dividing the annual median income by 12 months and then comparing it to the market rent. Given the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,150 for fiscal year 2026, the current market rent is significantly below this benchmark, indicating potential for higher rents without deterring tenants who qualify for vouchers.
The FMR is an important consideration for landlords as it defines the maximum rent allowed for federally subsidized housing programs, including Section 8. With the current market rent being lower than the FMR, landlords can potentially increase their rental rates closer to the FMR level without risking the loss of tenants who rely on housing vouchers.
In terms of the tenant profile expected in this ZIP code, landlords should anticipate a mix of voucher-dependent tenants and those who can afford market rent. Given the median income and current market rent, tenants who earn slightly above the poverty line but still require financial assistance to cover housing costs will likely be common. Additionally, tenants who do not need vouchers but find the current rental prices affordable will also contribute to the rental market.
To conclude, ZIP 18218 presents a balanced opportunity for landlords looking to cater to both voucher-dependent and market-rate paying tenants. The existing market conditions allow for a strategic positioning of rental properties, with the potential to attract a diverse tenant base while remaining competitive within the local rental market.
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.