Location: Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, 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 | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,860 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,158 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,417 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,610 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,741 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,290 | $173,172 | 0.74% | D |
| 3BR | $1,690 | $221,202 | 0.76% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
185,907 is the median home value in ZIP 18519, Dickson City, PA, indicating a relatively stable housing market. 37.9% represents the proportion of renters in the area, which is a significant share but not overwhelming. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Section 8 in ZIP 18519 for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1020, a figure that is notably lower than the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) of $1,400, suggesting a potential gap between subsidized and market rents. This difference could be advantageous for landlords willing to participate in the Section 8 program, as it may attract tenants who might otherwise struggle to afford market rates. The median income of $58,500 in the area provides context for the economic conditions of potential tenants, ensuring that the FMR aligns with the financial realities of many residents.
Despite the lack of specific data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes experiencing price cuts, the disparity between the $1020 FMR and the $1,400 ZORI indicates a robust opportunity for landlords to leverage the Section 8 program. The program can serve as a reliable source of income, especially when compared to the volatility often associated with market rents. Moreover, the lower FMR ensures that the rental assistance provided is sufficient for a substantial portion of the population, given the median income level.
The verdict for landlords and small-portfolio investors in ZIP 18519 is clear: participating in the Section 8 program can offer a stable and predictable rental income stream, particularly for those properties valued around the median home value of $185,907, where the $1020 FMR aligns well with the economic conditions of the area.
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.