Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 19533 - 2027

Location: Reading, PA | Metro: Reading, PA MSA

Investment Score for ZIP 19533

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,420

Median Price (2BR)

$250,692

1% Rule

0.57%

Annual Yield

6.8%

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	$980
1 Bedroom	$1,120
2 Bedrooms	$1,420
3 Bedrooms	$1,750
4 Bedrooms	$1,880
5 Bedrooms	$2,181
6 Bedrooms	$2,443
7 Bedrooms	$2,638
8 Bedrooms	$2,770

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
2BR	$1,420	$250,692	0.57%	F
3BR	$1,750	$336,204	0.52%	F
4BR	$1,880	$457,389	0.41%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

8,648

Median Household Income

$105,179

Housing Units

3,094

Renter Percentage

15.4%

Occupancy Rate

98.0%

Renter Occupied

468

The ZIP code 19533, encompassing Leesport, Pennsylvania, offers a stable and modest market environment for real estate investments. Nestled in Schuylkill County, this area is characterized by its blend of rural charm and accessibility to urban amenities, making it an attractive location for both residents and investors.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 19533 is set at $1,220 for fiscal year 2024, indicating the government's benchmark for rental pricing in the area.
The average market rent, as per Census American Community Survey (ACS) data, stands at $1,020. This suggests that while the FMR is higher, actual rents are lower, potentially offering opportunities for landlords to increase their rental income slightly above the market rate without exceeding affordability.
The median home value in Leesport is $358,823. This figure reflects a moderate housing market, where property values are neither excessively high nor low, providing a balanced investment opportunity.
Renters make up 15.4% of the total population, which is relatively low compared to many other areas. This implies that there might be a smaller pool of potential tenants, but also that the area has a strong homeownership culture, which can contribute to community stability and property appreciation over time.
The median household income in the area is $105,179. This relatively high income level can support higher rents and potentially lower vacancy rates, as residents have greater financial capacity to afford housing.
The days on market (DOM) for properties is not available, which could indicate either a lack of recent sales data or a very active market where properties sell quickly, often before being listed for long periods.

In summary, Leesport presents a moderate-risk investment scenario with a stable rental market and a strong homeowner base. The discrepancy between the FMR and market rent suggests room for strategic pricing to maximize returns. High median incomes provide a solid foundation for maintaining occupancy and rent levels, although the lower renter share means landlords should be prepared for a smaller tenant pool. Overall, the area offers a balanced approach to real estate investment, with opportunities for steady growth and income.

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.