Location: Reading, 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 | $1,180 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,350 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,110 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,270 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,633 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,185 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,344 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,710 | $266,543 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $2,110 | $367,053 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $2,270 | $503,878 | 0.45% | F |
| 5BR | $2,633 | $583,186 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 19518, Douglassville, PA, in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1500. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can receive from the government's Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly known as Section 8, for renting a unit to a qualified tenant. It does not mean that your property will be rented out for this exact amount; it is the ceiling price.
To put this into perspective, the average rent for the area, according to the Census American Community Survey, is $1,356. This suggests that the FMR is slightly above the market rate, which can be beneficial for landlords who want to ensure they are receiving a fair compensation for their properties.
In Douglassville, approximately 15.4% of the population are renters. While this percentage might seem low, it still translates to a significant number of potential tenants who could benefit from Section 8 vouchers. This indicates there is a steady demand for rental units among those who qualify for assistance.
If you're considering purchasing a property to use as a Section 8 rental, the median home value in the area is around $435,793. This figure can help you assess whether the investment aligns with your financial goals, especially when factoring in the expected monthly income from the voucher program.
Before committing to a Section 8 rental, verify that your property meets all the necessary housing quality standards. The government has strict guidelines on the condition of the property, including maintenance and safety requirements, to ensure that tenants live in decent conditions. Compliance with these standards is mandatory to receive payments and avoid penalties.
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.