Location: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | Metro: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,120 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,300 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,150 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,494 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,016 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,167 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 18230 is situated within the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 18230 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1260. However, specific market rent and home value data are not available for this ZIP code, indicating that it might be less studied or have limited real estate activity compared to other areas within the same metro.
The renter share in ZIP 18230 is 0.0%, which suggests that almost all housing units are owner-occupied. This contrasts sharply with typical ZIP codes within the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area, where a higher percentage of renters is usually observed. The lack of rental properties combined with the absence of market rent and home value data makes it challenging to precisely categorize 18230's real estate market status relative to the broader metro area.
Despite these limitations, we can infer that 18230 likely represents a value pocket within the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metro due to its lower FMR compared to what would typically be expected if market rents were available. A value pocket generally indicates an area where housing costs are relatively low, making it attractive for affordable housing programs like Section 8. However, the absence of rental units means that the potential for Section 8 tenants is minimal, unlike scenarios where a high renter share coexists with below-average home values, which would typically signal a sweet spot for Section 8 properties.
To provide a comprehensive analysis, additional data points such as median home values and market rents would be necessary. These figures would help determine if 18230 is indeed a value pocket, a mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market within the larger metro context. Until then, the current data suggest a primarily owner-occupied area with potentially lower rental costs if they were to exist.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.