Location: Bradford County, PA | Metro: Bradford 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 | $1,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,100 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,352 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,540 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,667 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,300 | $227,375 | 0.57% | F |
| 3BR | $1,600 | $240,995 | 0.66% | D |
| 4BR | $1,810 | $296,417 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,240 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026, Ulster, PA (ZIP 18837) offers a clear benchmark for rental properties. The actual market rent, according to Census ACS data, stands at $971, indicating a potential opportunity for landlords to adjust their pricing closer to the FMR without being seen as overcharging. At a median home value of $220,233, the real estate market in Ulster presents a stable investment environment. With 22.2% of residents being renters, there is a significant portion of the population looking for affordable housing options, which aligns well with the availability of Section 8 vouchers. The median income of $71,131 suggests that many residents might find it challenging to afford market rents without assistance, making Section 8 an attractive option for both tenants and landlords.
The lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price-cut share indicates either a robust real estate market where homes sell quickly without needing to be listed for long periods or a data collection issue that could be worth investigating further. However, given the stable median home value and the presence of a notable renter share, it's reasonable to infer that the real estate market in Ulster is steady and likely to support consistent demand for rental units.
In conclusion, Ulster, PA, with its specific economic indicators, provides a solid foundation for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in leveraging Section 8 programs. The gap between the FMR and the current market rent, combined with the median income figure, supports the argument that Section 8 can be a viable and profitable strategy in this area. Verdict: Section 8 is a good fit for Ulster, PA.
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.