Location: Susquehanna County, PA | Metro: Susquehanna County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,120 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,189 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,298 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 economics in ZIP code 18842 are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment, which is set at $1,090 for fiscal year 2026. This SAFMR represents the maximum rental amount that the housing authority will pay on behalf of eligible tenants. It's important to note that this figure is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting local rental conditions.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program receives a voucher payment that covers the majority of the rent. However, the total reimbursement is not solely based on the SAFMR. The actual amount paid to the landlord includes the tenant's portion of the rent and any utility allowances. Typically, the tenant contributes 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. For example, if a tenant has an adjusted monthly income of $1,000, they would contribute $300, leaving the housing authority to cover the remaining $790 of the $1,090 SAFMR.
In addition to the base rent, there are utility allowances that can vary. These allowances are meant to help cover the cost of utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and sewer. The exact amount of these allowances is determined by the local housing authority and can impact the total reimbursement received by the landlord. If the utility allowance is $150, then the landlord would receive $940 ($790 base rent + $150 utilities) from the housing authority.
The SAFMR of $1,090 for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 18842 is the ceiling for voucher payments. If the local market rent is higher than the SAFMR, landlords may experience a reimbursement gap. Conversely, if the market rent is lower, landlords could see a surplus. Since the local market rent for ZIP 18842 is currently unreported, we cannot definitively state whether there is a surplus or a gap. However, landlords should be aware that the SAFMR does not necessarily reflect the full range of market rents, and it is possible to have either scenario depending on the specific property and its location within the ZIP code.
To summarize, landlords in ZIP 18842 who accept Section 8 vouchers will receive a reimbursement that is capped at $1,090 for a two-bedroom unit, with the tenant paying 30% of their adjusted income and the housing authority covering the rest plus utility allowances. The final reimbursement amount will depend on the tenant's income and the specific utility allowances granted by the housing authority. Landlords should compare this reimbursement rate against their own market rent to determine if participating in the Section 8 program is financially viable for them.
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.