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 | $1,240 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,340 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,100 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,436 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,728 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,946 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,600 | $255,585 | 0.63% | D |
| 3BR | $1,910 | $360,433 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $2,100 | $428,027 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 19070 in Morton, PA, there are notable risks for first-time Section 8 landlords. Tenant turnover is likely to be higher due to the disparity between the market rent of $1,795 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,500 for fiscal year 2024. This gap can lead to difficulty in attracting tenants who qualify for Section 8 vouchers but cannot afford the higher market rates.
Vacancy exposure remains a significant concern as the days on market (DOM) for properties in this area is not available. This lack of data makes it challenging to predict how long a property might remain vacant, increasing the financial risk for landlords.
The deferred maintenance exposure is another critical issue. With a typical home value of $364,277 and a median income of $95,795, homeowners may struggle to maintain their properties adequately, especially when dealing with rental units. This can result in higher maintenance costs for landlords and potential issues with property inspections required by Section 8 programs.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the high renter share in the area, which stands at 23.6%. A larger percentage of renters often translates into higher demand for housing assistance through Section 8 vouchers, potentially stabilizing occupancy rates.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.