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 | $1,350 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,460 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,070 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,656 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,975 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,213 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,374 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,740 | $282,001 | 0.62% | D |
| 3BR | $2,070 | $332,765 | 0.62% | D |
| 4BR | $2,290 | $380,402 | 0.6% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market in ZIP code 19033, located in Folsom, PA, exhibits a dynamic interplay between rental and ownership costs that suggests an environment of shifting pressures. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area stands at $1,890 for fiscal year 2024, while the market rent, as reported by the Census ACS, is notably lower at $1,483. This discrepancy indicates a potential gap between what the government deems as fair rent and what the local market currently supports.
The median home value in Folsom is listed at $331,622. Given the lack of specific data on price-cut share and days on market (DOM), it's challenging to definitively state whether supply outpaces demand or vice versa. However, the difference between the FMR and market rent suggests that landlords might be facing some downward pressure on rents, indicating a possible surplus of rental units relative to demand. This scenario could imply that tenants have more options, leading to competition among landlords to offer attractive rental rates.
The 15.3% renter share provides insight into the long-term housing dynamics. A relatively low percentage of renters compared to homeowners suggests a preference for ownership in the area. However, this also means that there is a significant portion of the population who may struggle to afford homeownership, potentially creating sustained pressure on the rental market. As housing values rise, the affordability for potential homeowners diminishes, which can lead to an increasing number of individuals and families opting for rental housing over buying, thus influencing the balance between supply and demand in the rental sector.
Landlords and small-portfolio investors should closely monitor these trends, particularly the relationship between rental prices and median home values, to make informed decisions regarding their investments. The current snapshot of the market in Folsom points towards a fluid situation where both rental and ownership markets are influenced by broader economic factors and local preferences.
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.