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 | $1,300 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,410 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,564 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,872 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,102 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,257 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,680 | $309,282 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $2,000 | $353,293 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $2,210 | $408,395 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 19021, located in Croydon, PA, is a moderately renter-heavy area with a population of 9,638 individuals, where 32.5% are renters. This indicates that there is a significant portion of the population that relies on rental housing, which can be beneficial for landlords and small-portfolio investors. However, the demand for Section 8 vouchers is not as deep as it might be in areas with higher percentages of renters.
The median household income in this ZIP is $70,199, which provides a basis for understanding the economic context of potential tenants. The average market rent stands at $1,345, representing approximately 19% of the median household income. This ratio suggests that while rent is a considerable expense, it remains manageable for the majority of households in the area.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD, which is $1,580 for FY 2024 in this ZIP, reveals that the market rent is slightly below the FMR. This means that landlords can potentially offer competitive rents without exceeding the voucher limits, making it easier for tenants to secure housing through the Section 8 program.
A landlord in ZIP 19021 should expect a tenant profile that includes individuals and families who benefit from the Section 8 voucher program. These tenants will likely have an income level that aligns with the broader community, but they may also include those who are at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), which is necessary to qualify for the Section 8 program. The typical tenant will be able to afford the $1,345 market rent, with the government covering the difference up to the $1,580 FMR limit. This makes the ZIP code a viable option for landlords looking to attract tenants with Section 8 vouchers, though the competition for these vouchers may not be as intense as in areas with higher renter populations.
In summary, ZIP 19021 presents a balanced opportunity for landlords interested in Section 8 tenants. While the renter population is substantial, the overall demand for vouchers is moderate, allowing for a stable tenant pool with manageable rent expenses relative to local incomes.
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.