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 | $1,300 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,320 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,190 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,190 | $317,029 | 0.69% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors targeting ZIP code 18331 in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, reveals that the HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1530 for FY 2024 significantly exceeds the average market rent of $1,257, based on Census ACS data. This means that voucher tenants will cashflow positively at the FMR rate, allowing landlords to earn a substantial income above the typical market rates.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $312,719. The rent-to-price ratio can be calculated by dividing the average market rent ($1,257) by the median home value ($312,719), resulting in approximately 0.4%. This low ratio suggests that rental properties in ZIP 18331 offer a favorable return relative to the cost of ownership, making them attractive for both short-term and long-term investments.
Note that the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have been price-cut are not available for this ZIP code. However, these metrics would typically help in assessing the local real estate market's liquidity and competitiveness. In their absence, we rely on the strong cashflow potential derived from the significant difference between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 18331 is undoubtedly the cashflow opportunity. Given the disparity between the HUD FMR and the market rent, landlords can expect to generate positive cashflow from Section 8 tenants without the need for premium units, providing a stable and lucrative investment strategy.
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.