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 | $1,330 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,440 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,070 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,310 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,680 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,002 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,242 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,404 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,070 | $436,472 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 19492 within the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA reveals several key points for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The first question to address is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 19492 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1850, whereas the Census ACS reports a market rent of $2,520. This indicates that landlords can potentially charge a premium over the FMR, which could be advantageous for those seeking higher returns on investment.
Regarding the affordability of acquisitions, the median home value in ZIP 19492 is $435,174. However, due to the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that required price cuts, it's difficult to assess how quickly homes are sold and at what price. Without these metrics, it's unclear if there are opportunities for purchasing properties below their market value.
The third point concerns tenant demand. With a population of 811 individuals and a renter share of 79.1%, there is a strong indication of demand for rental properties. Given that nearly 80% of the residents are renters, landlords can expect a steady pool of potential tenants.
In conclusion, ZIP 19492 presents a favorable environment for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The rent math works in favor of charging above the FMR, ensuring higher income potential. Despite limited data on the speed and terms of property sales, the high renter share suggests a robust demand for rentals, making it likely that properties will be occupied promptly. While the median home value is relatively high, the strong tenant base justifies the investment, provided that acquisition costs do not exceed reasonable expectations. Investors should focus on securing properties at or below the median value to maximize profitability.
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.