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 | $1,500 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,620 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,958 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,313 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,578 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,757 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,940 | $291,530 | 0.67% | D |
| 3BR | $2,310 | $378,713 | 0.61% | D |
| 4BR | $2,550 | $419,786 | 0.61% | D |
| 5BR | $2,958 | $456,917 | 0.65% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 19057, Levittown, PA, in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1730. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 program, not the actual rent that will be paid. The actual rent is determined by the Housing Authority and must not exceed the FMR.
In comparison, the average rent for the area based on Census ACS data is $1,500. This suggests that the FMR is higher than the typical market rate, potentially offering a slight premium to landlords who participate in the Section 8 program.
The renter share in Levittown is 19.8%, indicating that nearly one in five residents are renters. This shows a reasonable demand for rental properties, which could be beneficial for landlords looking to enter the Section 8 market. However, it also implies that competition for tenants might exist among other rental properties.
The median home value in ZIP 19057 is approximately $378,434. This figure gives insight into the typical cost of acquiring a property in the area. For a first-time Section 8 landlord, understanding this acquisition cost is crucial when calculating potential returns and assessing whether the property's location and condition justify the investment.
Before deciding to participate in the Section 8 program with a property in Levittown, it is essential to verify that the property meets all the necessary Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the property is safe, decent, and sanitary for tenants. Failure to meet these requirements can result in penalties or termination from the program.
To summarize, the FMR of $1730 provides a ceiling for rent charges under Section 8, while the average rent of $1,500 offers a benchmark against the market. With a renter share of 19.8%, there is a steady demand for rentals. Knowing the typical acquisition cost of $378,434 helps in making an informed decision about the investment. Lastly, confirming compliance with HQS is a critical step before entering the program.
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.