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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,600 | $193,097 | 0.83% | C |
| 3BR | $1,910 | $233,334 | 0.82% | C |
| 4BR | $2,100 | $280,260 | 0.75% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To strategically integrate ZIP 19137 into a Section 8 portfolio, consider it primarily as a cash-flow anchor. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 19137 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1570, which is significantly higher than the average market rent of $1226. This spread ensures that properties in this area can command higher rents through Section 8 vouchers, thus providing a stable and predictable cash flow for landlords.
The median home value in ZIP 19137 is $229,682, indicating that while property values are not exceedingly high, they are also not low enough to offer significant potential for capital appreciation. With a 0.2% price-cut share and N/A-day Days on Market (DOM), there is little evidence to suggest that this ZIP code offers substantial opportunities for rapid appreciation. Instead, the focus should be on the consistent income generated by the higher FMR compared to the market rent.
ZIP 19137 can also serve as a diversifier within a broader investment strategy. With a 12.2% renter share, the area has a notable number of renters, many of whom could benefit from Section 8 housing assistance. Additionally, the median income of $76,739 suggests a diverse economic profile, where some residents may rely on rental subsidies due to housing costs being relatively high compared to their income levels. This makes ZIP 19137 an ideal location for landlords looking to balance their portfolios with a mix of tenants, including those supported by Section 8 vouchers.
In summary, ZIP 19137 is best positioned as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The $344 monthly spread between the FMR and market rent provides a reliable source of income, making it a solid choice for landlords seeking steady returns. While it may also serve as a diversifier, given the economic conditions and tenant demographics, its primary role should be in securing consistent cash flows rather than betting on future appreciation.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.