Location: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA | Metro: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,430 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,550 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,850 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,819 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,410 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,581 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Swarthmore, PA, located in Delaware County, is a unique ZIP code with a population of 10,089 residents. Only 20.1% of these residents rent their homes, indicating a primarily owner-occupied community. The median household income stands at a robust $134,135, reflecting the affluence of the area. Additionally, the median home value in Swarthmore is notably high at $479,040, suggesting that homeownership here is a significant investment.
The economic landscape for Section 8 vouchers in Swarthmore is also distinctive. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the ZIP code for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,610, while the market rent based on Census ACS data is slightly lower at $1,535. This means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect to receive a payment standard that is higher than the typical market rent, providing a financial incentive to accept vouchers despite the generally affluent nature of the area.
Evaluating the data signature of Swarthmore, it reads as stable. With a high median income and median home value, the community demonstrates a level of economic stability that is conducive to long-term investments. The relatively low rental rate suggests that most residents prefer owning their homes, which further supports the notion of a stable residential environment. While the voucher economics offer an opportunity for landlords, the overall characteristics of the ZIP code indicate a mature, settled market rather than a transitional one.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.