Location: Schuylkill County, PA | Metro: Schuylkill County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,010 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,790 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,076 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,325 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,511 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,637 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market in ZIP code 18242, located in Schuylkill County, PA, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,160. However, without specific market rent data for ZIP 18242, it's important to consider the broader context of the region.
Voucher tenants in this area will typically cashflow at the HUD FMR rate, assuming they occupy units priced near the average market rate. This suggests that landlords can expect stable income from these tenants, though there may be a slight margin where improvements or higher-end units could increase profitability.
The median home value in the area is not available, which makes deriving an exact rent-to-price ratio challenging. However, given the HUD FMR, we can infer that rental properties are likely to have a competitive advantage over homeownership in terms of affordability, especially for low-income families. This dynamic supports the idea that rental demand, particularly for subsidized housing, will remain strong.
While the median days on market (DOM) and percentage of price cuts are not specified, these metrics would be crucial in understanding the local real estate market's health and the competition between buying and renting. In the absence of such data, it's reasonable to assume that the stability of Section 8 rents provides a significant advantage over the volatility often seen in the home purchase market.
The strongest angle for investors in this market is stability. Section 8 vouchers ensure a steady stream of income and a reliable tenant base, making it an attractive option for those seeking long-term, predictable returns.
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.