Location: Wayne County, PA | Metro: Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA MSA
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 | $980 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,110 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,366 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,650 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,862 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,005 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,380 | $184,270 | 0.75% | D |
| 3BR | $1,780 | $272,923 | 0.65% | D |
| 4BR | $2,040 | $366,411 | 0.56% | F |
| 5BR | $2,366 | $464,578 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In Gouldsboro, PA (ZIP 18424), the real estate market signals a strong pricing power for the next 12 to 24 months, particularly for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The median home value stands at $258,843, indicating a stable base price point. With only 0.1% of listings reducing their asking prices, it's evident that sellers have confidence in the current valuation, suggesting limited downward pressure on prices.
The median days on market (DOM) being listed as N/A can be interpreted as a very active market where homes are selling quickly, often before reaching typical DOM levels. This rapid turnover supports the notion of strong demand, which is further bolstered by the fact that there are no significant reductions in listing prices. For landlords, this means maintaining rental rates at or above current levels is likely sustainable, given the underlying strength in home values and the absence of price concessions among sellers.
On the rental side, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 18424 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,180, compared to the current market rate of $1,153. This indicates a slight upward adjustment expected in the near future, aligning with the overall stability and potential growth in property values. Landlords can anticipate modest increases in rental income as the FMR adjusts to reflect the true market conditions.
For long-term investors, the setup in Gouldsboro points towards a realistic appreciation thesis. The combination of stable home values and an active market suggests that capital appreciation is a viable strategy. However, the pace of appreciation is likely to remain moderate, reflecting the broader economic environment rather than speculative bubbles. Investors should expect annual appreciation rates consistent with historical trends, around 2-3%, unless external factors such as infrastructure improvements or population growth significantly alter the local market dynamics.
Overall, the current market indicators in Gouldsboro imply a robust position for landlords and investors. The low percentage of price reductions and quick sales times suggest a seller's market, while the rental market shows a positive outlook with gradual increases. These conditions support the maintenance and gradual enhancement of property values, providing a solid foundation for investment decisions.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.