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 | $1,140 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,240 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,760 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,950 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,262 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,533 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,736 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,873 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,480 | $323,433 | 0.46% | F |
| 3BR | $1,760 | $423,116 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $1,950 | $578,695 | 0.34% | F |
| 5BR | $2,262 | $630,363 | 0.36% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 19525, located in Gilbertsville, PA, is primarily a homeowner-dominated area with only 7.4% of residents being renters. This low percentage indicates that the demand for rental properties is relatively limited, which also suggests that the availability of Section 8 housing vouchers may be scarce.
The median household income in Gilbertsville stands at $140,403, which is significantly higher than the national average. In comparison, the typical market rent of $1,202 represents only about 1.07% of the median household income. This makes it highly unlikely that a significant portion of the population would qualify for Section 8 vouchers, which are typically reserved for those earning below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the ZIP code 19525 is set at $1,520 for FY 2024. Given the high median income and the fact that market rents are below the FMR, it's evident that the cost of renting is already affordable relative to the local income level. However, the disparity between the median income and the FMR indicates that very few individuals would meet the eligibility criteria for Section 8 vouchers, which are capped at the lower end of the income spectrum.
A landlord in Gilbertsville should expect tenants who are financially stable and likely earn above the threshold for Section 8 assistance. The tenant pool will predominantly consist of individuals and families who can afford market-rate rents without government subsidies. Landlords should focus on attracting these financially capable renters rather than relying on the Section 8 program, given the limited voucher demand and the high income levels in the area.
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.