Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 19460 - 2027

Investment Score for ZIP 19460

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$1,670
1 Bedroom	$1,810
2 Bedrooms	$2,160
3 Bedrooms	$2,570
4 Bedrooms	$2,840
5 Bedrooms	$3,294
6 Bedrooms	$3,689
7 Bedrooms	$3,984
8 Bedrooms	$4,183

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
1BR	$1,810	$265,975	0.68%	D
2BR	$2,160	$387,547	0.56%	F
3BR	$2,570	$458,906	0.56%	F
4BR	$2,840	$722,311	0.39%	F
5BR	$3,294	$862,329	0.38%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

### Market Analysis for ZIP Code 19460 (Phoenixville, PA) #### Section 8 Voucher Dynamics The Fair Market Rent (FMR) figures for Phoenixville, PA, in ZIP code 19460, as of 2026, are as follows: - 0BR: $1600 - 1BR: $1740 - 2BR: $2070 - 3BR: $2480 - 4BR: $2770 These FMRs represent the maximum amount that a Section 8 voucher holder can pay towards rent. However, it is important to note that these figures are significantly lower than the actual market rents. For instance, the Zillow median price for a 2BR unit is $383,607, which translates to a monthly mortgage payment of approximately $1,840 based on a 4.5% interest rate over a 30-year term. This is already close to the FMR for a 2BR unit, indicating that landlords would likely struggle to cover their costs if they were to accept the FMR rates. Moreover, the price-to-FMR ratio for a 2BR unit is 15.4x, suggesting that the actual market rents are much higher than the FMR. The FMR for a 2BR unit is $2070, which is only 20.0% of the median household income in Phoenixville ($124,050). This implies that the FMR is set at a level that is affordable for low-income households but may not be sufficient to cover the cost of renting in the area. #### Affordability & Renter Profile Phoenixville has a population of 45,423, with 27.9% of residents being renters. The occupancy rate is 96.3%, indicating a very tight rental market. Given the high median household income of $124,050, the majority of residents are likely able to afford market-rate housing. However, the 27.9% of renters who rely on Section 8 vouchers face significant challenges due to the high price-to-FMR ratio. The FMR for a 2BR unit is $2070, which is only 20.0% of the median income. This suggests that the FMR is set at a level that is intended to be affordable for low-income households. However, the actual market rents are much higher, making it difficult for voucher holders to find suitable housing. The high occupancy rate further exacerbates this issue, as there is limited availability of rental units, and those that are available are often priced well above the FMR. #### Investor Angle From an investor perspective, accepting Section 8 vouchers in Phoenixville may not be financially viable due to the high price-to-FMR ratio. A 2BR unit with a Zillow median price of $383,607 would have a monthly mortgage payment of around $1,840. Adding property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other expenses, the total cost could easily exceed the FMR of $2070. For example, if we assume an additional $500 per month for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, the total cost would be $2,340. This is significantly higher than the FMR of $2070, leading to a negative cash flow scenario for landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers. Furthermore, the investment grade for properties in this ZIP code is likely to be low due to the financial constraints faced by voucher holders. Landlords may find it challenging to attract and retain tenants who can only pay up to the FMR, especially given the high demand for rental units in the area. #### Specific Actionable Insights 1. **Focus on Higher-Rent Units**: Investors should consider focusing on higher-rent units such as 3BR and 4BR properties. While the FMR for a 3BR unit is $2480 and for a 4BR unit is $2770, these rates are still below the actual market rents. By targeting larger units, investors can potentially attract tenants who are willing to pay more than the FMR, thereby improving cash flow. 2. **Consider Non-Section 8 Tenants**: Given the high median household income and the tight rental market, investors might want to explore options for attracting non-Section 8 tenants. This could involve offering amenities that appeal to higher-income renters or positioning properties as luxury rentals. The median income of $124,050 suggests that many residents can afford to pay market rates, reducing reliance on government subsidies. 3. **Evaluate Property Costs Carefully**: Before investing in properties in Phoenixville, it is crucial to evaluate all associated costs, including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. If the total cost exceeds the FMR, the property may not be a good investment for Section 8-focused investors. For instance, a 2BR unit priced at $383,607 would likely result in a negative cash flow if rented solely to voucher holders. #### Bottom Line Given the high price-to-FMR ratio and the tight rental market in Phoenixville, the recommendation for Section 8-focused investors is to **Skip** this ZIP code. The financial constraints and negative cash flow scenarios make it challenging to operate profitably while adhering to the FMR guidelines. Investors looking to enter the Phoenixville market should consider alternative strategies that do not rely heavily on Section 8 vouchers.

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.