Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 19082 - 2027

Investment Score for ZIP 19082

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$1,190
1 Bedroom	$1,290
2 Bedrooms	$1,540
3 Bedrooms	$1,830
4 Bedrooms	$2,020
5 Bedrooms	$2,343
6 Bedrooms	$2,624
7 Bedrooms	$2,834
8 Bedrooms	$2,976

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,540	$135,030	1.14%	B
3BR	$1,830	$202,299	0.9%	C
4BR	$2,020	$290,869	0.69%	D
5BR	$2,343	$373,084	0.63%	D

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

### Market Analysis for ZIP Code 19082 (Upper Darby, PA) #### Section 8 Voucher Dynamics The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Upper Darby, PA (ZIP code 19082) in 2026 is set at $1590 for a two-bedroom unit. This figure represents 33.4% of the median household income in the area, which is $57,108. However, the actual rental market in Upper Darby appears to be significantly higher than the FMR. For instance, the Zillow median price for a two-bedroom home is $135,129, which translates into a price-to-FMR ratio of 7.1x. This suggests that the actual rent prices are likely much higher than the FMR, potentially creating significant constraints for voucher holders. If the average rent for a two-bedroom unit is around $11,200 annually ($1590 x 12), then the actual rental market could be charging over $71,000 annually based on the price-to-FMR ratio. Consequently, tenants using Section 8 vouchers would find it challenging to locate units within their budget, especially if landlords are not willing to accept the lower FMR rates. #### Affordability & Renter Profile Upper Darby has a population of 41,541, with 50.7% of residents being renters. The occupancy rate stands at 92.2%, indicating a relatively tight rental market. Given that half of the population are renters and the occupancy rate is high, there is a strong demand for rental properties. However, the median household income of $57,108 suggests that many residents might struggle to afford the higher-than-FMR rents. The 33.4% of median income allocated to the FMR for a two-bedroom unit implies that even at the FMR level, renters are spending a substantial portion of their income on housing. This makes Upper Darby a challenging environment for low-income renters, particularly those relying on Section 8 vouchers. #### Investor Angle From an investor perspective, the ZIP code 19082 presents mixed opportunities. While the occupancy rate is high, suggesting a robust demand for rental properties, the price-to-FMR ratio indicates that the actual rental market is far above the FMR levels. To determine if this ZIP code is cash-flow positive at FMR, we need to consider the typical expenses associated with owning and managing rental properties. Assuming a conservative estimate of 50% of the FMR going towards expenses such as mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and management fees, the net income per unit would be approximately $795 per month for a two-bedroom unit. This translates to an annual net income of about $9,540, which is still a fraction of the median household income but may not cover all costs in a high-cost area like Upper Darby. The investment grade for this ZIP code can be considered moderate. While the demand for rental properties is strong, the high price-to-FMR ratio means that investors who rely solely on FMR rates will face financial challenges. Investors who can charge market rates will have better cash flow, but they may also encounter resistance from tenants seeking affordable housing options. #### Specific Actionable Insights 1. **Target Lower-Rent Units**: Focus on acquiring one-bedroom and studio units, which have FMRs of $1340 and $1230 respectively. These units are more likely to be affordable for Section 8 voucher holders and may offer better cash flow potential compared to higher-priced units. 2. **Negotiate with Landlords**: Encourage landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers by offering incentives or assistance with paperwork. Given the high occupancy rate, landlords may be more willing to work with voucher holders if they can secure long-term, stable tenancy. 3. **Consider Property Upgrades**: If you plan to invest in properties that are currently priced above FMR, consider making upgrades to bring them closer to FMR levels while maintaining quality. This could involve improvements to energy efficiency, minor renovations, or adding amenities that increase the perceived value without drastically increasing costs. #### Bottom Line For Section 8-focused investors, the recommendation for ZIP code 19082 is to **Hold**. While there is a strong demand for rental properties, the high price-to-FMR ratio poses significant challenges. Investing in properties that can be rented at or near FMR levels is advisable, but the overall market conditions suggest that cash flow will be tighter than in areas with lower ratios. Investors should carefully evaluate their ability to manage properties at FMR levels and consider the broader economic context of Upper Darby before committing to new investments.

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.