Location: Susquehanna 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 | $950 |
| 1 Bedroom | $960 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,428 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,549 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,530 | $273,225 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 18851 presents a mixed landscape for landlords considering Section 8 tenants. With a population of 615, only 10.0% are renters, indicating that this area is predominantly homeowner-dominated rather than a renter-heavy zone. This suggests that vouchers are relatively scarce in the area, which could limit the pool of potential Section 8 tenants.
The median household income in ZIP 18851 is $78,333, while the typical market rent is $981 per month. This means that the average rent consumes approximately 12.5% of the local median income, calculated by dividing the annual rent ($11,772) by the median household income. This percentage aligns with national standards, where it's generally advised that housing costs should not exceed 30% of an individual's income.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,300, as set for FY 2026 in the metro area, shows that the market rent in ZIP 18851 is below the FMR. Landlords can potentially offer rents closer to the FMR if they wish to attract higher-income tenants or those with larger vouchers.
A landlord in ZIP 18851 should expect a tenant profile that includes individuals who are likely to be on fixed incomes or have lower economic resources relative to the local population. These tenants will heavily rely on housing vouchers to afford their living space. Given the scarcity of vouchers and the homeowner-dominated nature of the area, landlords might find the competition for Section 8 tenants to be somewhat limited, but also recognize that these tenants are typically responsible and value stable housing.
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.