Location: Reading, PA | Metro: Lancaster, 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 | $1,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,120 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,790 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,443 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,638 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,770 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,420 | $259,186 | 0.55% | F |
| 3BR | $1,790 | $362,444 | 0.49% | F |
| 4BR | $1,880 | $498,545 | 0.38% | F |
| 5BR | $2,181 | $654,748 | 0.33% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 19540, located in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, stands out within Berks County due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a population of 11,957, only 17.0% of the residents are renters, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied community. The median household income is $100,000, reflecting a middle-class area. The median home value is notably high at $387,477, suggesting a stable housing market where property values are robust.
Mohnton's rental market dynamics are interesting when viewed through the lens of Section 8 vouchers. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the ZIP code 19540 for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,240, while the Census American Community Survey (ACS) reports the market rent at $1,139. This indicates that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect slightly higher rents compared to the local market average, providing a modest incentive to accept vouchers despite the administrative complexities involved.
The data signature for ZIP 19540 reads as stable. The low percentage of renters suggests a strong sense of homeownership, which typically correlates with long-term residency and a lower turnover rate. The median income and home values also point towards a community that has maintained its economic status over time. While the slight difference between FMR and market rent could signal transitional pressures, the overall indicators suggest a neighborhood that is unlikely to experience significant changes in the near future.
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.