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 | $1,840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,990 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,380 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,840 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,130 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,631 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,067 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,392 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,612 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,380 | $379,269 | 0.63% | D |
| 3BR | $2,840 | $562,032 | 0.51% | F |
| 4BR | $3,130 | $850,626 | 0.37% | F |
| 5BR | $3,631 | $1,202,449 | 0.3% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 19301, located in Paoli, PA, is situated within the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 19301 is set at $2180 for fiscal year 2024, while the market rent stands at $2,404. This indicates that the rental prices in 19301 are slightly above the FMR but remain competitive within the larger metro area.
The median home value in ZIP 19301 is $634,240, which is higher than many areas within the broader MSA. However, the renter share of 18.9% suggests that a significant portion of the population in this area prefers renting over owning. This combination of a high renter share and above-average home values does not necessarily indicate a Section 8 sweet spot, as it does not exhibit the characteristic of having below-metro home values with a high renter share.
When comparing these figures to typical ZIP codes within the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA, 19301 can be classified as a mid-tier neighborhood. It has rental prices that are above the FMR but still reasonable, and home values that are higher than average, indicating a middle ground between affordable and premium markets. The higher renter share compared to some other ZIPs in the area could suggest a slight advantage for landlords seeking steady tenancy.
Investors should note that the higher home values in 19301 might correlate with higher property taxes and maintenance costs, which should be factored into investment decisions. Despite this, the area's proximity to the metro and its balanced pricing make it a viable option for both landlords and small-portfolio investors looking for a stable investment environment.
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.