Location: Bradford County, PA | Metro: Bradford County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,682 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,035 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,137 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median home value in ZIP 18817, which includes parts of Smithfield Township and East Smithfield in Bradford County, PA, is $219,400 according to recent data. This figure is notably lower than the national median home value of $332,700, indicating a relatively affordable real estate market in this area.
The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the ZIP 18817 metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,030. Given the lack of current market rent data, it's reasonable to infer that voucher tenants will likely cashflow at this FMR rate, especially considering the lower median home values. However, landlords should be aware that the actual market rents might vary, and they should aim to have units priced competitively yet profitably.
To derive the rent-to-price ratio, we use the median home value of $219,400. Assuming a typical mortgage payment would approximate the monthly rental income, the ratio suggests that properties in ZIP 18817 could be rented out for approximately $1,030 per month, which aligns well with the HUD FMR. This indicates that the housing market supports the FMR without requiring premium units to achieve positive cash flow.
Investors in ZIP 18817 should focus on the stability of the housing market, given the lower median home values and the alignment with HUD FMR. Stability offers a reliable investment opportunity with predictable returns, making it an attractive angle for small-portfolio investors looking for consistent cash flow rather than high appreciation potential.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.