Location: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA | Metro: Lancaster, PA 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 | $1,200 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,300 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,860 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,050 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,378 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,663 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,876 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,020 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,560 | $372,853 | 0.42% | F |
| 3BR | $1,860 | $418,334 | 0.44% | F |
| 4BR | $2,050 | $574,767 | 0.36% | F |
| 5BR | $2,378 | $814,030 | 0.29% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 19344, Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, can be clearly understood by examining the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) and local market rents. For fiscal year 2024, the SAFMR for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code is set at $1540. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay for a two-bedroom rental unit in this specific area.
In contrast, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit, according to the Census ACS, is slightly lower at $1490. This suggests that landlords operating in ZIP 19344 might find their rental rates competitive with the SAFMR, potentially leading to a balanced situation where the voucher payments closely match the actual market value.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program should understand how the reimbursement works. The voucher payment consists of two parts: the tenant's portion and the utility allowance. Typically, the tenant is responsible for paying approximately 30% to 40% of their adjusted monthly income towards rent. If we assume an average tenant income of around $20,000 per year, the monthly contribution would be roughly $500 to $670. The remainder of the rent, up to the SAFMR limit, is covered by the voucher.
Utility allowances vary but are generally modest. In ZIP 19344, a landlord might expect an additional $200 to $300 for utilities, depending on the specific terms of the voucher and the household's needs. Thus, if a landlord charges $1540 for a two-bedroom apartment, and the tenant contributes $600, the voucher would cover the remaining $940. Adding a utility allowance of $250, the total reimbursement would be $1190.
This leaves a gap between the local market rent and the voucher reimbursement. At $1540, the SAFMR is higher than the local market rent of $1490, meaning landlords could potentially receive slightly more than the average market rate when they charge exactly the SAFMR. However, if they charge less, say $1490, the gap would be minimal or non-existent, and the landlord would receive the full market rent plus utility allowance.
In summary, for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 19344, landlords can expect a typical reimbursement gap or surplus of about $50 if they charge the SAFMR. This means landlords will either slightly exceed the local market rent or have a small surplus when the voucher covers the entire SAFMR amount.
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.