Location: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA | Metro: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA
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 | $1,760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,280 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,720 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,000 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,480 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,898 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,210 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,421 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,910 | $328,140 | 0.58% | F |
| 2BR | $2,280 | $403,548 | 0.56% | F |
| 3BR | $2,720 | $579,901 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $3,000 | $841,929 | 0.36% | F |
| 5BR | $3,480 | $1,034,365 | 0.34% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
2130 is the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 18901, Doylestown, PA, for fiscal year 2024. 2613 represents the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI), indicating the market rent for the area. The median home value in this ZIP code stands at 666835, reflecting a robust housing market. With a renter share of 32.5%, it's clear that there is a significant portion of the population looking for rental properties. The median income of 118256 suggests that residents have the financial capacity to meet the rental demands. The average days on market (DOM) for rentals is 6, which is quite low, implying that properties are quickly occupied once listed. Lastly, the price-cut share of 0.2% indicates that landlords rarely need to lower their rents to attract tenants, showing strong demand at current pricing levels.
The disparity between the FMR and ZORI highlights a potential opportunity for landlords to charge slightly above the subsidized rate while still remaining competitive in the market. Given the median home value and the median income, the area is economically stable, supporting higher rental rates. The low DOM and minimal price-cut share further reinforce the idea that Doylestown, PA, is a desirable location for both tenants and investors.
For landlords and small-portfolio investors considering Section 8 participation, the numbers suggest a cautious approach. While the program can provide a steady stream of income, the cap on rental amounts at 2130 might not be as lucrative as the market rent of 2613. However, the stability of tenant payments and the low likelihood of vacancy make it an attractive option for those seeking consistent returns over time. In summary, 2130 is the FMR for ZIP 18901, but the market rent of 2613 should be considered for investment decisions outside of Section 8.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.