Location: Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, 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 | $1,320 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,530 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,890 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,480 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,155 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,534 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,817 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,008 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,480 | $305,144 | 0.81% | C |
| 4BR | $2,720 | $384,296 | 0.71% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 18222 has a population of 9,789, with only 13.6% of residents being renters. This indicates that it is primarily a homeowner-dominated area rather than a renter-heavy zone. The median household income in this ZIP is $108,581, which suggests a relatively affluent community.
The market rent for properties in ZIP 18222 is $1,610 per month. To contextualize this figure, we can calculate that typical rent consumes approximately 14.8% of the local median income. This percentage is derived from dividing the market rent by the annual median income ($1,610 / $108,581 * 12 months).
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 in ZIP 18222 is set at $1,200. This means that the market rent exceeds the FMR by about $410, or roughly 34%. Landlords should note that while the FMR provides a benchmark for rental assistance, the actual market conditions may lead to higher rents, as evidenced by the current market rate.
The scarcity of vouchers in this area can be attributed to both the low percentage of renters and the higher income levels. With a median income significantly above the national average, many residents may not qualify for housing assistance programs based on income alone. However, those who do receive vouchers will likely find them insufficient to cover the full market rent, given the discrepancy between the FMR and the actual market rates.
A landlord in ZIP 18222 should expect tenants who are either fully self-sufficient or have a combination of personal income and voucher support. These tenants will likely require additional financial resources beyond their voucher to meet the monthly rent. Given the high cost of living and the relatively high median income, landlords might also anticipate a mix of younger professionals, families, and possibly retirees seeking affordable housing options within their means.
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.