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 | $1,280 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,390 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,660 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,980 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,180 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,529 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,832 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,059 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,212 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,660 | $268,539 | 0.62% | D |
| 3BR | $1,980 | $303,094 | 0.65% | D |
| 4BR | $2,180 | $389,020 | 0.56% | F |
| 5BR | $2,529 | $465,344 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Ridley Park, PA, with a ZIP code of 19078, is a suburban neighborhood characterized by a diverse mix of homeowners and renters. The area has a total population of 11,683, with 31.7% of residents being renters. This indicates a significant demand for rental properties, making it an attractive location for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The median household income in Ridley Park is $94,681, which suggests a middle-class community with a solid economic foundation. The median home value stands at $309,221, reflecting a stable housing market.
From an investment perspective, the rent economics in ZIP 19078 are favorable. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, as set by HUD for fiscal year 2024, is $1,480. In contrast, the market rent, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), is $1,329. This means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect a slightly higher rent reimbursement compared to the average market rate, providing a buffer against potential maintenance and vacancy costs.
The difference between the FMR and market rent makes ZIP 19078 suitable for both hands-off voucher operators and hands-on value-add buyers. For those who prefer a passive approach, the guaranteed income from the Section 8 program ensures steady cash flow without the need for extensive property management. Meanwhile, active investors looking to improve their properties and potentially command higher rents have a margin to work with, thanks to the higher FMR reimbursement rates. Overall, Ridley Park offers a balanced environment where both types of investors can find opportunities to meet their financial goals.
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.