Location: Wayne County, PA | Metro: Wayne 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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,984 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,222 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,400 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,020 | $273,336 | 0.37% | F |
| 3BR | $1,300 | $359,623 | 0.36% | F |
| 4BR | $1,710 | $424,496 | 0.4% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Equinunk, PA, located in ZIP code 18417, is a small, rural community with a total population of 1,298 residents. Only 13.5% of the residents are renters, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied area. The median household income stands at $63,333, which reflects a modest economic base typical of many rural towns. Median home values in the area are relatively high at $335,341, suggesting that homeownership is valued and maintained at a certain standard.
The rental market in Equinunk presents an interesting dynamic. The Fair Market Rent (FMR), set by HUD for the metro area for fiscal year 2026, is $990. However, the actual market rent, according to Census ACS data, is significantly lower at $797 per month. This gap between FMR and market rent implies that there could be opportunities for landlords operating under the Section 8 program to receive higher reimbursements compared to the local market rates, potentially leading to positive cash flows.
Given these factors, ZIP 18417 would likely appeal to a hands-off voucher operator due to the favorable reimbursement rates relative to market rents. The high median home values and the low percentage of renters suggest that there is limited demand for rental properties, making it less suitable for a value-add strategy where improvements might be necessary to increase rental income. Instead, a landlord who can manage properties efficiently without the need for significant renovations or active management might find this area particularly attractive.
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.