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 | $1,740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,250 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,680 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,960 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,434 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,846 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,154 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,362 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,250 | $490,412 | 0.46% | F |
| 3BR | $2,680 | $585,574 | 0.46% | F |
| 4BR | $2,960 | $821,476 | 0.36% | F |
| 5BR | $3,434 | $1,131,515 | 0.3% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 19060, located in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, within the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA metro area, provides insights into its viability for Section 8 real-estate investment.
The rent math does not work favorably for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the zip code in fiscal year 2024 is set at $2170. However, since the market rent is listed as N/A, it's impossible to determine if the FMR aligns with what tenants can afford in the local rental market. This uncertainty makes it challenging to assess profitability without additional data on actual market rents.
Acquisition is moderately affordable. The median home value in the area stands at $690,005. Although the average days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have been subject to price cuts are not available, the median home value suggests that properties are relatively expensive compared to some other areas but still within reach for serious investors with adequate capital.
Tenant demand is low. With a total population of 11,524, only 1.6% of residents are renters. This indicates a predominantly owner-occupied neighborhood, which reduces the pool of potential Section 8 tenants. The small renter share means competition for rental units might be fierce among those eligible for Section 8 assistance.
In conclusion, while the acquisition cost in ZIP 19060 is manageable for well-capitalized investors, the lack of comprehensive market rent data and the low tenant demand make it a less attractive option for Section 8 investments. Landlords should proceed with caution, carefully considering the limited number of potential renters and the uncertainty around market rents before committing to this area.
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.