Location: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, 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 | $1,500 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,620 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,004 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,364 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,633 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,815 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,940 | $351,172 | 0.55% | F |
| 3BR | $2,310 | $476,382 | 0.48% | F |
| 4BR | $2,590 | $651,816 | 0.4% | F |
| 5BR | $3,004 | $781,552 | 0.38% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP code 19707, Hockessin, Delaware, within the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA, does indeed work favorably for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $2530 for fiscal year 2024 exceeds the market rent reported by the Census ACS, which stands at $2,327. This indicates that landlords can potentially charge above-market rents and still be within the guidelines, making it a profitable area for rental properties.
Acquisition in this ZIP code is moderately affordable, with a median home value of $595,831. While the average days on the market (DOM) is not available, the low 0.3% price-cut share suggests that homes are generally selling close to their asking prices. This implies a strong seller's market where homes are likely to sell quickly without significant negotiation, which could be advantageous for investors looking to purchase properties swiftly and without lengthy delays.
Tenant demand is stable but not exceptionally high. With a total population of 17,376, the renter share is 13.2%. This means that approximately 2,285 residents are potential renters. Given the modest renter share, landlords should expect a steady but not overwhelming demand for rental properties. However, the favorable rent math and moderate affordability of acquisitions make this ZIP code a reasonable investment opportunity.
Verdict: ZIP code 19707 offers a solid opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors due to its favorable rent math and moderately affordable acquisitions. Despite the relatively low renter share, the combination of higher-than-market FMRs and quick property sales supports a positive outlook for rental investments in this area. Landlords can expect to maintain occupancy rates and achieve profitability, though they should prepare for a less competitive rental market compared to areas with higher renter shares.
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.