Location: Pike County, PA | Metro: Monroe County, PA
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 | $1,290 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,300 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,170 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,660 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,086 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,456 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,732 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,919 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,300 | $118,238 | 1.1% | B |
| 2BR | $1,590 | $206,624 | 0.77% | D |
| 3BR | $2,170 | $286,683 | 0.76% | D |
| 4BR | $2,660 | $387,752 | 0.69% | D |
| 5BR | $3,086 | $445,083 | 0.69% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 18302, located in East Stroudsburg, PA, presents an interesting landscape for both renters and landlords. The median household income stands at $79,736, which provides a baseline for assessing the financial feasibility of renting properties in the area. At a market rate of $1,520 per month, as reported by the Census ACS, a household would spend approximately 20% of their annual income on rent alone. This figure is generally considered sustainable, though it represents a significant portion of disposable income.
However, when comparing the market rate to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) standard set at $1,760 for zip code 18302 in fiscal year 2024, the situation becomes more complex. The higher FMR suggests that some households might struggle to cover rent costs without assistance, such as through Section 8 vouchers. Given that only 11.5% of the 17,733 residents are renters, the competition among landlords for tenants is relatively low. This means that landlords have the flexibility to consider both voucher and cash-pay strategies.
The affordability gap between the median income and the FMR highlights a potential challenge for renters. For those who qualify for Section 8 vouchers, the gap can be bridged, allowing them to secure housing that meets their needs. However, for those without access to vouchers, finding affordable housing could be more difficult. This disparity creates a unique scenario where landlords can attract a mix of tenants—those with vouchers and those able to pay the market rate.
Landlords should take note of these dynamics when deciding their rental strategy. Offering properties that accept Section 8 vouchers can ensure steady occupancy and a reliable source of income, even if the payment amounts are slightly lower than the market rate. On the other hand, focusing on cash-paying tenants might yield higher monthly rents but could come with the risk of longer vacancy periods given the limited number of renters in the area. Ultimately, a balanced approach that caters to both voucher and cash-paying tenants will likely provide the most stable and profitable outcome for landlords in ZIP 18302.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.