Location: Schuylkill County, PA | Metro: Schuylkill County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,660 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,926 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,447 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To understand the economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 18248, it's essential to know the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) rates and how they compare to the local rental market. For fiscal year 2026, the SAFMR for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 18248 is set at $1,140. This figure represents the maximum amount that a Section 8 voucher will cover for rent in this specific ZIP code.
The SAFMR does not reflect the actual market rent for the area, as there is currently no data available on the average local market rent for ZIP 18248. However, the SAFMR is the benchmark used by the Housing Choice Voucher Program to determine the subsidy level for tenants.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program should be aware of how the reimbursement works. The voucher pays a portion of the rent, but not the entire amount. Tenants are required to pay 30% of their adjusted income toward rent. If the tenant's share plus the utility allowance does not meet the SAFMR, the government will make up the difference to ensure the landlord receives the full SAFMR amount. Conversely, if the tenant's share plus the utility allowance exceeds the SAFMR, the tenant must pay the additional cost out-of-pocket.
For example, if a tenant has an adjusted income of $2,000 per month, they would be expected to contribute $600 towards rent (30% of $2,000). Assuming the utility allowance is included in the SAFMR, the government would then pay the remaining balance to reach the total SAFMR of $1,140. In this case, the government would reimburse the landlord $540.
The utility allowance varies based on the household size and can affect the overall reimbursement. It is important to note that the landlord must accept the voucher at the SAFMR rate, even if the market rent is higher. Therefore, landlords should carefully consider whether the SAFMR rate aligns with their financial goals for the property.
In ZIP 18248, given the SAFMR of $1,140, landlords might face a reimbursement gap if the local market rent is higher. However, without specific market rent data, it's difficult to quantify the exact gap. Landlords should monitor local rental trends to ensure that their participation in the Section 8 program remains financially viable.
For a two-bedroom apartment, the typical reimbursement gap or surplus in ZIP 18248 cannot be precisely determined due to the lack of local market rent data. Landlords should consult the HUD website or local housing authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information on local market rents to calculate potential gaps or surpluses accurately.
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.