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 | $1,260 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,370 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,940 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,140 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,002 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,152 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,630 | $371,555 | 0.44% | F |
| 3BR | $1,940 | $431,400 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $2,140 | $520,400 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 19030, Fairless Hills, PA, can be broken down clearly. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for FY 2024 is set at $1640. This figure is specific to this ZIP code, meaning it is the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay for a unit in this area. The local market rent, measured by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rental Index), stands at $2,700, indicating a significant gap between market rates and what Section 8 covers.
A Section 8 voucher does not cover the entire rent. Instead, it reimburses the landlord for the difference between the SAFMR and the tenant's portion of the rent. The tenant is typically required to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,800 per month, the tenant would contribute $540 towards the rent. This leaves the remaining $1,100 to be covered by the voucher.
However, the SAFMR of $1640 also includes a utility allowance. This allowance varies but is generally around $200-$300 per month. For simplicity, let’s use $250 as the utility allowance. This means the actual voucher payment towards the rent itself would be $1,390 ($1640 - $250).
Therefore, the total reimbursement a landlord would receive from a Section 8 voucher for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 19030 would be $1,930 ($1,390 + $540). Given the local market rent of $2,700, this leaves a reimbursement gap of $770 per month. Landlords should be aware of this gap when considering participation in the program.
In summary, while Section 8 provides a stable source of income, it does not fully cover the market rent in ZIP 19030. The typical reimbursement for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,930, resulting in a surplus of $770 if the market rent is $2,700. This economic reality must be factored into any decision to accept Section 8 tenants.
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.