Location: Susquehanna County, PA | Metro: Susquehanna 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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,360 | $261,858 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $1,420 | $299,835 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market in ZIP code 18801 presents a dynamic scenario that reflects the balance between supply and demand in rental housing. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,040 for the fiscal year 2026, it's clear that the federal benchmark for rental affordability is slightly above the average market rent of $921 reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. This suggests that while rents are currently lower than the FMR, there is room for growth, indicating potential upward pressure on rental prices.
The median home value in ZIP 18801 stands at $245,818. While this figure alone doesn't indicate whether supply is outpacing demand, it provides context for the overall cost of living in the area. The absence of data regarding the percentage of price-cut share and days on market (DOM) for rental properties means we cannot definitively state if there is an oversupply of rental units. However, given the relatively low market rent compared to the FMR, it can be inferred that the rental market is competitive, which might imply a slight excess of supply over demand.
A significant 23.6% of the population in ZIP 18801 are renters, a figure that underscores the importance of rental housing in the area. This percentage indicates a substantial segment of the market that relies on rental properties, suggesting ongoing long-term housing pressure as demand for rentals remains steady. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, this points to a stable tenant base, but also to the necessity of maintaining competitive pricing to attract and retain renters.
In summary, ZIP 18801 operates under conditions where rental prices are below the federal benchmark, pointing to a competitive rental market. The significant share of renters signals a persistent demand for rental housing, which could translate into sustained interest in rental properties despite the current competitive environment. Investors should focus on optimizing their rental offerings to align with both the current market conditions and the anticipated federal standards.
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.