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 | $2,160 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,340 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,790 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,670 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,257 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,768 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,149 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,406 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,790 | $376,844 | 0.74% | D |
| 3BR | $3,320 | $575,929 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $3,670 | $878,637 | 0.42% | F |
| 5BR | $4,257 | $1,126,729 | 0.38% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 19425, Chester Springs, PA, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $2,610. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 program, which is also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program. It's important to note that this is not the actual rent you'll receive; it's the benchmark used to determine the rent subsidy amount.
Comparatively, the local market rent for a similar property in ZIP 19425 is estimated at $2,613, according to the Zillow Rent Index (ZORI). This suggests that the FMR closely aligns with the average rent in the area, making it feasible to participate in the Section 8 program without significantly undercutting your market value.
In terms of demand, the renter share in Chester Springs is 11.0%, indicating that a substantial portion of the population is seeking rental housing. This percentage translates to a significant number of potential tenants who could benefit from the Section 8 program. Given the median household income and the cost of living in the area, there is a reasonable likelihood that many renters will qualify for vouchers.
To put this into perspective, if you're considering purchasing a property to use as a Section 8 rental, the typical acquisition cost for a home in ZIP 19425 is around $763,440. This investment should be carefully weighed against the long-term benefits of having a stable tenant who pays a consistent portion of their income toward rent, along with the government subsidy.
A crucial step before committing to a Section 8 rental is to verify that the property meets all the required standards for habitability and safety. The Housing Quality Standards (HQS) must be met, which includes ensuring the property is free from health and safety hazards, and that all major systems—such as plumbing, heating, and electrical—are in good working order. This verification ensures that the property will pass inspections and be eligible for the program.
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.