Location: Reading, PA | Metro: Reading, 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 | $1,060 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,210 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,890 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,355 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,638 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,849 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,991 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,530 | $262,320 | 0.58% | F |
| 3BR | $1,890 | $326,505 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $2,030 | $427,098 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 19510 in Blandon, PA, part of the Reading, PA MSA metro, presents a unique opportunity for Section 8 real-estate investors. According to the latest HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2024, the FMR for this area is set at $1,580. In contrast, the Census American Community Survey (ACS) reports the market rent at $1,344. This indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow positively at the FMR rate, providing a reliable income stream for landlords.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in ZIP 19510, which stands at $357,134. Using this figure, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio, which is approximately 0.4%. This low ratio suggests that the rental market is relatively undervalued compared to the home purchase market, making it an attractive option for investors looking to capitalize on rental income.
The data also shows that there is no significant information available regarding the median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts shared by sellers. However, given the positive cashflow potential from voucher tenants and the low rent-to-price ratio, the rent-vs-buy dynamics do favor the rental market in this area.
In conclusion, the strongest investor angle in ZIP 19510 is cashflow, due to the disparity between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent. This provides a secure and predictable income source for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
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.