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 | $1,090 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,240 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,940 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,424 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,715 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,932 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,079 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,240 | $187,941 | 0.66% | D |
| 2BR | $1,580 | $216,111 | 0.73% | D |
| 3BR | $1,940 | $290,312 | 0.67% | D |
| 4BR | $2,090 | $405,054 | 0.52% | F |
| 5BR | $2,424 | $417,067 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 19606, located in Reading, PA, has a population of 35,853 residents, with 20.4% of them being renters. This indicates that the area is primarily dominated by homeowners rather than renters. However, there is still a significant portion of the population that relies on rental housing, which could create demand for Section 8 tenants.
The median household income in Reading, PA is $85,557. The typical market rent for the area is $1,546 per month. To understand the financial burden of renting, we can calculate the percentage of local income that goes towards rent. In this case, the average rent consumes approximately 18.1% of the median household income. This figure is derived by dividing the market rent ($1,546) by the median household income ($85,557) and multiplying by 12 months to annualize the rent expense.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR), which is set at $1,490 for FY 2024, it's evident that the market rent slightly exceeds the FMR. This suggests that landlords in Reading, PA might face some challenges in finding tenants whose voucher amounts align with the higher market rents. Landlords should be prepared to either accept a lower rent or seek out tenants who have additional sources of income to supplement their voucher amount.
A landlord in ZIP 19606 should expect tenants who are likely to be low-income individuals or families, given the nature of the Section 8 program. These tenants will have their rent subsidized up to $1,490 per month, based on the FMR. It's important to note that these tenants will be subject to the same screening process as any other potential renter, including credit checks, criminal background checks, and employment verification. The expectation is for tenants who are committed to maintaining stable living conditions and meeting the terms of their lease agreements.
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.