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 | $1,420 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,540 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,840 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,190 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,807 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,396 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,566 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,840 | $412,477 | 0.45% | F |
| 3BR | $2,190 | $466,324 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $2,420 | $681,522 | 0.36% | F |
| 5BR | $2,807 | $789,234 | 0.36% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median income in ZIP code 19311, Avondale, PA, stands at $155,771, indicating a relatively affluent area. However, when it comes to housing affordability, the situation becomes more nuanced. The market rate for rent, according to the Census ACS, is $1,483 per month. This figure represents the average cost that tenants pay for their living space in the area.
In comparison, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 19311 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,790. This is the standard used for determining the payment amounts for Section 8 vouchers. It's important to note that the FMR is higher than the actual market rate, suggesting that voucher holders might have an advantage in terms of negotiating rental prices.
With only 13.9% of the 11,692 residents being renters, the competition for tenants in Avondale is likely to be lower compared to areas with a higher percentage of renters. This means landlords have a smaller pool of potential tenants to choose from, which could impact their ability to fill vacancies quickly.
The affordability gap between the median income and both the market rate and FMR highlights the financial challenge that renters face. Despite the high median income, the cost of renting can still be a significant portion of a household's budget. For instance, a household earning the median income would spend approximately 12% of its monthly income on market-rate rent, and nearly 14% if paying the FMR through a voucher.
For landlords considering their tenant selection strategy, these numbers suggest that accepting Section 8 vouchers could provide a steady stream of income, albeit slightly below the market rate. Vouchers ensure timely payments and reduce the risk of non-payment, which is particularly beneficial given the limited number of renters in the area. However, landlords should also consider the administrative requirements and potential waiting times associated with voucher processing.
The takeaway for landlords is that while the demand for rentals is lower due to the smaller percentage of renters, the presence of Section 8 vouchers can help mitigate some of the risks associated with tenant selection. Landlords who are willing to accept vouchers can tap into a segment of the market that might otherwise struggle to find affordable housing, potentially leading to a more stable tenancy and reduced vacancy rates.
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.