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 | $1,180 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,270 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,320 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,598 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,806 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,946 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,520 | $190,188 | 0.8% | D |
| 3BR | $1,810 | $238,027 | 0.76% | D |
| 4BR | $2,000 | $307,602 | 0.65% | D |
| 5BR | $2,320 | $367,923 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 19050, located in Lansdowne, PA, is characterized by a significant rental population, with 41.5% of residents being renters. This makes it a prime location for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to attract Section 8 tenants. With a total population of 29,373, there is substantial demand for rental properties, especially those that accept housing vouchers.
The median household income in Lansdowne is $60,859, which is crucial when considering the affordability of the average market rent of $1,503. To put this into perspective, the typical rent consumes approximately 29.9% of the median household income. This figure aligns closely with the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,520 for fiscal year 2024, indicating that rents in the area are in line with government standards.
In such a renter-heavy ZIP code, landlords can expect a high volume of voucher holders seeking accommodation. The close match between the market rent and the FMR suggests that there is a healthy balance between what tenants can afford through their vouchers and what landlords charge. This scenario benefits both parties, ensuring that landlords receive competitive rental payments while tenants find affordable housing options.
A landlord in ZIP 19050 should anticipate tenants who rely on housing vouchers due to the significant portion of the population renting and the relatively high cost of living compared to incomes. These tenants will likely have a strong need for stable, affordable housing and will be accustomed to the process of using vouchers. It's important for landlords to understand the requirements and procedures associated with Section 8 to effectively manage their properties and meet the needs of this tenant base.
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.