Location: Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, 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 | $1,190 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,390 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,819 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,410 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,581 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,700 | $204,812 | 0.83% | C |
| 3BR | $2,220 | $263,487 | 0.84% | C |
| 4BR | $2,430 | $326,349 | 0.74% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate landscape in White Haven, PA (ZIP 18661), is signaling a period of stable pricing power for the next 12-24 months. With a median home value at $236,841, the market has established a solid baseline that reflects the area's economic fundamentals. The fact that only 0.1% of listings have reduced their asking price indicates that sellers are maintaining confidence in the value of their properties. This minimal reduction rate suggests a buyer's market is not imminent, and current homeowners can expect to retain their pricing leverage.
The median days on market (DOM) being listed as N/A could imply that homes are selling quickly, often before a significant amount of time passes. This rapid turnover supports the idea that demand is steady relative to supply, which further bolsters the stability of home values. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should anticipate that the pricing environment will likely remain favorable for holding onto properties without the need to significantly adjust asking prices.
On the rental side, the forward-looking market analysis reveals an interesting dynamic. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 18661 for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,260, while the current market rent, according to Census ACS data, stands at $1,274. This slight premium of $14 over the FMR suggests that there is a modest but present demand for rental properties in the area. However, it also points to a limited upward pressure on rents, indicating that landlords may not see substantial increases in rental income over the coming years.
For long-term investors, the setup implied by the data suggests a realistic appreciation thesis based on the stable housing market. While significant jumps in property value are unlikely, the combination of steady home sales and modest rental premiums indicates that appreciation will be gradual and consistent. This makes White Haven a reliable location for those seeking stable, long-term returns on their real estate investments. The absence of a large disparity between FMR and market rent also signals that the area is well-regulated and unlikely to experience sudden shifts in the rental market that could disrupt investment plans.
In summary, the current median home value, the low percentage of price reductions, and the quick turnover of listings all point to a market where pricing power is firmly in the hands of sellers. The rental market shows a slight premium over FMR, suggesting steady demand without excessive volatility. These factors combined indicate a promising yet measured appreciation potential for long-term investors in ZIP 18661.
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.