Location: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA | Metro: Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,220 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,190 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,410 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,796 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,132 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,383 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,552 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,710 | $317,657 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $2,190 | $402,481 | 0.54% | F |
| 4BR | $2,410 | $554,289 | 0.43% | F |
| 5BR | $2,796 | $705,971 | 0.4% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP code 18624, Lake Harmony, PA, hinges on the provided data points: the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Section 8 at $1380 for fiscal year 2024, the median home value of $407,271, and the lack of available data on renter percentages, days on market (DOM), and average income.
On the yield axis, the FMR of $1380 suggests that properties in this area can generate rental income through the Section 8 program. However, the absence of market rent data makes it challenging to compare the potential yield against non-subsidized rentals. The median home value indicates a relatively high-cost housing market, which could limit the number of eligible Section 8 tenants unless there's a significant disparity between the FMR and actual market rents. Given the high home value, any property priced below $407,271 could potentially offer attractive yields when rented out under Section 8, assuming the FMR reflects a reasonable portion of the home value.
Regarding stability, the data is incomplete. The 0.0% figure for renters implies that there are no known renters in the dataset, which could suggest a predominantly owner-occupied area. This would generally contribute to higher stability, as owner-occupied neighborhoods tend to have lower turnover rates and more consistent occupancy. However, without knowing the days on market or average income levels, it's difficult to fully assess the stability. If the area has low unemployment and steady job growth, it could support stable occupancy even if the renter percentage is low.
Given the limited data, ZIP 18624 appears to be more of a steady-cashflow zone rather than a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market. The high median home value combined with the low percentage of renters suggests a stable but potentially lower yielding environment. To confirm this assessment, further analysis of local economic indicators and rental market dynamics would be necessary.
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.