Location: Schuylkill County, PA | Metro: Schuylkill County, PA
| 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 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 18231 in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, reveals several key points regarding its viability for Section 8 real estate investments.
The first question is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $970 for fiscal year 2026, is higher than the current market rent of $821 according to the Census American Community Survey. This suggests that landlords could potentially earn more through Section 8 than what the current market offers, making the rent math favorable for Section 8 participation.
Moving on to the affordability of acquisitions, the data indicates that the median home value and average days on market (DOM) are currently unavailable. Additionally, the percentage of homes that have been subject to price cuts is also not provided. Without these specific figures, it's challenging to assess the direct financial burden of acquiring properties in this ZIP code for Section 8 purposes. However, the lack of detailed pricing information might imply a less competitive market, which could indirectly suggest better affordability for acquisitions.
Regarding tenant demand, ZIP 18231 has a population of 413. Among them, 17.1% are renters, indicating a relatively low number of potential tenants. Despite this, the combination of a lower population and a smaller renter pool could mean fewer competitors for Section 8 vouchers, thereby increasing the likelihood of securing tenants.
In summary, the rent math in ZIP 18231 leans positively towards Section 8 participation, given the higher FMR compared to market rent. Acquisition costs cannot be precisely determined due to missing data, but the indirect implication of a less competitive market might suggest better affordability. Tenant demand is modest, but the niche nature of the market could mitigate this concern. Overall, while not without challenges, the conditions in ZIP 18231 present a reasonable opportunity for Section 8 investments, particularly for those who can manage with a smaller tenant base.
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.