Location: Susquehanna County, PA | Metro: Susquehanna County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,965 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 18824 within the Susquehanna County, PA metro area reveals key insights for landlords and small-portfolio investors. Firstly, the rent math does work favorably. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, which is slightly above the current market rent of $950 based on Census ACS data. This indicates that properties priced at the market rate will likely attract tenants willing to pay up to the FMR.
Regarding acquisition affordability, the metrics available are insufficient for a detailed analysis. The median home value is listed as N/A, which means there is no readily accessible data to gauge the typical cost of residential properties. Similarly, the Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring price cuts are also marked as N/A, suggesting limited recent transaction data to assess the ease or difficulty of acquiring properties at favorable prices.
Tenant demand in ZIP 18824 is moderate. With a total population of 1,408, approximately 15.4% of residents are renters. This translates to about 217 potential tenants, a number that suggests there is a steady but not overwhelming demand for rental properties in the area. Given the slight edge of the FMR over the current market rent, it is reasonable to assume that rental properties could be filled relatively quickly if marketed appropriately.
In conclusion, ZIP 18824 presents a viable opportunity for real estate investment in the context of Section 8 housing. The favorable rent math ensures that properties can be rented out at a price that aligns with government guidelines, thereby providing a stable income source. However, the lack of comprehensive data on home values, DOM, and price-cut shares makes it challenging to evaluate the overall affordability of property acquisitions. Despite this, the moderate tenant demand, supported by a consistent rental population, suggests that rental properties in this ZIP code can be successfully managed and occupied. Landlords and investors should proceed with caution, focusing on areas where data is more robust, while still considering ZIP 18824 as a potentially profitable venture within the constraints of Section 8 guidelines.
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.