Location: Monroe County, PA | Metro: Monroe County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,210 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,230 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,060 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,923 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,274 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,536 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,713 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 18357, located in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, reveals a specific rental landscape that impacts cash flow and investment strategy. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) as determined by HUD for this area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1420. However, due to the lack of available data on the current market rent, it's challenging to provide a direct comparison. This absence suggests either limited rental listings or a focus on homeownership in the area.
The FMR of $1420 is likely to cover the cost of renting average units in the area, but without precise market rent figures, it's difficult to ascertain if this amount ensures positive cash flow or merely breaks even for landlords. In scenarios where market rents are higher than FMRs, landlords might experience marginal cash flow or require premium units to maintain profitability. Conversely, if the market rent aligns closely with or is below the FMR, landlords can expect stable cash flow with minimal risk.
The median home value in ZIP 18357 is also not available, which complicates the derivation of a rent-to-price ratio. Typically, this ratio helps investors understand whether it's more advantageous to rent or buy properties. With insufficient data on both median home values and market rents, making an informed decision on the rent-vs-buy dynamics is hampered. The Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have been price-cut are similarly unreported, indicating a potential lack of active real estate transactions or a strong seller's market.
The strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP 18357 appears to be stability. Given the reliance on HUD's FMR, which is designed to reflect a broad range of housing costs, landlords can anticipate consistent income from voucher tenants. While appreciation and cash flow remain uncertain due to incomplete data, the predictability of Section 8 payments offers a reliable financial foundation for investment.
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.