Location: Susquehanna County, PA | Metro: Susquehanna County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,030 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,080 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,830 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,920 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,227 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,494 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,694 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,829 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 thesis for ZIP code 18826 is straightforward: there exists a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD at $1,370 for the fiscal year 2026 and the actual market rent reported by the Census ACS at $1,188. This gap amounts to $182 per month, which represents an approximately 15.2% difference between the two figures.
In this scenario, where the FMR exceeds the market rent, landlords and small-portfolio investors can leverage this discrepancy to their advantage. The higher FMR means that voucher tenants can potentially pay more than what the open market demands, thereby increasing the rental income above typical market rates. This makes ZIP 18826 a prime location for a yield play, where investors can secure higher returns relative to the local rental market.
The context of ZIP 18826 further supports this analysis. With only 11.5% of residents being renters, competition for rental properties is relatively low, allowing landlords to maintain occupancy levels even when rents are set closer to the FMR. Additionally, the median income of $88,958 provides a stable economic foundation for the area, ensuring that voucher holders have the necessary support to cover their portion of the rent.
Investors should note that while the gap presents an opportunity, it also comes with responsibilities. Landlords must comply with HUD regulations and ensure that units are up to code, which may involve initial investments in property improvements. However, the long-term benefits of receiving higher rent payments through the Section 8 program can outweigh these costs, making ZIP 18826 an attractive investment for those interested in the Section 8 market.
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.