Location: Schuylkill County, PA | Metro: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,020 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,210 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,980 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,297 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,573 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,779 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,918 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,480 | $147,697 | 1% | B |
| 3BR | $1,880 | $150,646 | 1.25% | A |
| 4BR | $1,980 | $184,196 | 1.07% | B |
| 5BR | $2,297 | $199,652 | 1.15% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market in ZIP 18252, encompassing Tamaqua, PA, exhibits a dynamic interplay between supply and demand that leans towards demand slightly outpacing supply. This inference is drawn from the Federal Market Rent (FMR) set at $1260 for fiscal year 2024, which exceeds the reported market rent of $977 based on Census American Community Survey (ACS) data. The gap between these two figures suggests that while there is sufficient supply to keep rents lower than the government's benchmark, the presence of a market below the FMR indicates a slight pull from tenants seeking affordable housing.
A further indication of this market dynamic is the low price-cut share of 0.2%. This figure implies that property owners are generally not compelled to reduce their asking prices to attract buyers, a sign that the local real estate market is stable and possibly experiencing some upward pressure on values. However, the median home value of $153,647 remains relatively modest, suggesting that while demand is present, it is not so high as to cause significant inflation in home prices.
The 35.5% renter share is a critical metric for understanding long-term housing pressure. A higher proportion of renters compared to homeowners typically means greater demand for rental properties, which can put sustained upward pressure on rents. This is especially true if economic conditions or demographics favor renting over buying. In Tamaqua, the substantial renter population indicates a continuous need for rental units, which could be a key factor for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to capitalize on steady demand.
The lack of available data on the number of days a property sits on the market (DOM) prevents a detailed analysis of how quickly homes are sold or rented. Nonetheless, the combination of the FMR exceeding the actual market rent and the low price-cut share points to a balanced but slightly tenant-favorable market. For investors, this suggests an environment where maintaining competitive pricing and offering quality rental properties will be crucial to success.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.