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 | $1,170 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,260 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,800 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,980 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,297 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,573 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,779 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,918 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,510 | $94,833 | 1.59% | A+ |
| 3BR | $1,800 | $110,088 | 1.64% | A+ |
| 4BR | $1,980 | $137,340 | 1.44% | A |
| 5BR | $2,297 | $158,544 | 1.45% | A |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The dynamics of the ZIP code 19013, located in Chester, PA, reveal a market in motion. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area stands at $1320 for fiscal year 2024, while the actual market rent, measured by ZORI, is slightly higher at $1,392. This indicates that the market is somewhat competitive, with rents exceeding the government's benchmark, suggesting demand is robust enough to support these rates.
The low price-cut share of 0.1% implies that landlords and property owners are largely able to maintain their asking rents without significant concessions. While the Days on Market (DOM) is listed as N/A, the fact that there is little need for price adjustments suggests that units are moving quickly once they are listed, which could indicate a tight rental market.
A median home value of $113,451 is relatively low, potentially reflecting broader economic conditions in the area. However, it also highlights an opportunity for affordable housing investments. The high renter share of 61.0% points to a significant portion of the population that relies on rental properties rather than owning homes. This high percentage of renters can be indicative of long-term housing pressure, as it suggests a continuous demand for rental properties. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider this a positive sign, as it indicates a stable and ongoing need for rental units in the area.
The interplay between the FMR and market rent, combined with the low price-cut share, paints a picture of a market where demand is likely keeping pace with or possibly outstripping supply. This balance creates a favorable environment for those looking to invest in rental properties, as the strong rental activity supports higher rates and quicker turnovers. For investors, this means a potential for steady cash flow and appreciation over time, given the sustained interest in rental properties.
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.