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 | $1,510 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,630 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,970 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,326 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,592 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,772 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,630 | $206,582 | 0.79% | D |
| 2BR | $1,950 | $383,251 | 0.51% | F |
| 3BR | $2,320 | $545,290 | 0.43% | F |
| 4BR | $2,560 | $797,684 | 0.32% | F |
| 5BR | $2,970 | $1,046,845 | 0.28% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 19063, located in Media, PA, within the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA, reveals a competitive landscape where the Federal Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD at $1810 for fiscal year 2024 is slightly below the market rent, which stands at $1935 (ZORI). This indicates that voucher tenants will provide a marginal cash flow for landlords and small-portfolio investors, assuming they are renting properties at or near the ZORI. However, for properties priced above the ZORI, landlords may experience reduced cash flow unless they can secure higher rents.
To derive the rent-to-price ratio, we consider the median home value of $637,251 in the area. This yields a ratio of approximately 1:330, indicating that rental income is relatively low compared to the value of homes in the area. While this ratio does not directly impact the decision to invest in Section 8 properties, it suggests that the area is more attractive for homeownership rather than rental investment from a pure financial standpoint.
The rental market in ZIP 19063 also shows strong demand, evidenced by a median days on market (DOM) of just 8 days and a minimal 0.2% share of listings that required price cuts. These figures suggest that the rental market is robust, and landlords can expect steady occupancy rates. However, the buy-versus-rent dynamics do play a role, as the high median home value could attract potential homeowners, thus affecting the overall tenant pool.
In conclusion, the strongest angle for investors in this market is likely to be stability. The consistent demand for rentals and the proximity of FMR to market rent ensures that landlords can rely on predictable cash flows, even if the margins are modest. Stability is key in an area with high home values, as it allows investors to maintain their property portfolios without significant fluctuations in occupancy or rent collection.
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.