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 | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,120 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,189 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,298 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,120 | $168,941 | 0.66% | D |
| 3BR | $1,380 | $208,897 | 0.66% | D |
| 4BR | $1,560 | $236,881 | 0.66% | D |
| 5BR | $1,810 | $259,594 | 0.7% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To determine whether a landlord should buy in ZIP code 18848 (Towanda, PA) for Section 8 purposes, follow this decision tree:
If the annualized FMR ($1,080 x 12 months = $12,960) exceeds the total debt service (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance), then the answer is yes. Otherwise, it is no.
If the market rent is below the FMR, landlords can expect a positive rental margin, making the area yes for investment. If market rent equals the FMR, landlords will break even on rental income without additional subsidies, leading to an it depends outcome based on other factors such as maintenance costs and vacancy rates. If market rent is above the FMR, landlords might struggle to find tenants willing to pay the higher subsidy rate, resulting in a no.
The high percentage of renters suggests strong demand. However, without DOM data, it's unclear how quickly properties are leased. If the DOM is low, indicating quick leasing, the answer is yes. High DOM could suggest no, but given the lack of DOM data, the overall answer leans towards it depends. The strong renter base supports investment, but landlords must consider other local economic indicators and competition.
In conclusion, ZIP 18848 presents a mixed picture for Section 8 investment. The FMR must be analyzed against the total debt service, and the market rent is below the FMR, which is favorable. With 32.5% of the population being renters, there is a solid tenant pool, though the absence of DOM data leaves some uncertainty about the speed of leasing. Landlords should proceed with caution and gather more local data before making a final decision.
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.