Location: Monroe 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 | $1,410 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,420 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,910 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,376 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,781 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,083 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,287 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,740 | $190,996 | 0.91% | C |
| 3BR | $2,370 | $304,109 | 0.78% | D |
| 4BR | $2,910 | $374,874 | 0.78% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 18330, located in Effort, PA within the Monroe County, PA metro area, presents a unique profile when compared against typical ZIP codes in the same county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 18330 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,520, which exceeds the market rent of $1,348. This indicates that the rental pricing in 18330 is slightly above what the average tenant might expect to pay, potentially making it a mid-tier neighborhood for rental investments.
The median home value in 18330 stands at $312,883, which is likely on par with or slightly above the average home values found across other ZIP codes in Monroe County. However, the renter share in 18330 is only 5.9%, suggesting that it has a relatively low proportion of renters compared to owner-occupiers. This could mean that the property market is more oriented towards homeownership, which might limit the attractiveness of this ZIP for landlords looking to maximize their rental portfolio.
To determine if 18330 is a value pocket, a mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market, we must consider the interplay between these figures. With an FMR higher than the actual market rent and a median home value that is reasonable for the area, 18330 offers a balanced opportunity for both landlords and small-portfolio investors. The lower-than-average renter share suggests that while there is demand for rentals, it is not as high as in other areas where Section 8 vouchers might be more prevalent.
A notable divergence is the high FMR relative to the market rent, indicating that properties in 18330 can command slightly higher rents than the local average, especially when subsidized by Section 8 vouchers. However, the modest renter share suggests that this is not a primary driver of the local rental market. Therefore, 18330 appears to be a mid-tier neighborhood with some potential for premium sub-market opportunities, particularly for those who can leverage Section 8 subsidies.
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.