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 | $218,774 | 0.51% | F |
| 3BR | $1,380 | $260,484 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $1,560 | $274,531 | 0.57% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 18853, which encompasses Wyalusing, PA, in Bradford County, are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,110. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will reimburse landlords for renting a unit under the Section 8 program.
Local market rents, according to the latest Census ACS data, stand at $876 for a two-bedroom apartment. This indicates that the SAFMR is higher than the average market rent, which can be beneficial for landlords participating in the program.
To understand what a voucher actually pays, you must factor in the tenant's portion of the rent and any utility allowances. The tenant is responsible for paying approximately 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,500, the tenant would pay about $450. The remaining balance is covered by the voucher up to the SAFMR limit. Utility allowances vary but typically add around $150-$200 to the monthly payment.
In practice, if the total cost including utilities does not exceed the SAFMR of $1,110, then the landlord will receive the full amount needed to cover the rent and utilities. However, if the rent plus utilities exceeds this amount, the landlord will only receive up to $1,110, and the excess must be paid by the tenant.
Given these specifics, let’s calculate the typical reimbursement. With the tenant paying $450 and the utility allowance adding $175, the total reimbursement comes to $625 ($450 + $175). Subtracting this from the SAFMR of $1,110 leaves a reimbursement of $485 per month to the landlord. Since the local market rent is $876, the landlord receives a surplus of $234 ($485 - $876) when factoring in the typical tenant contribution and utility allowance.
This surplus can be seen as a positive aspect for landlords, as it means they receive more than the average market rate for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code. However, it’s important to note that the actual tenant contribution and utility allowance will vary based on individual circumstances, so these numbers should serve as a general guideline rather than a fixed expectation.
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.