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 | $1,240 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,340 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,100 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,436 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,728 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,946 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,910 | $374,497 | 0.51% | F |
| 4BR | $2,100 | $475,785 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 21911 is located within the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). To understand its position relative to other ZIP codes in the MSA, we can analyze its Fair Market Rent (FMR), market rent, home value, and renter share.
The FMR for ZIP 21911 is set at $1610 for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount that a household receiving federal rental assistance, such as Section 8, can pay for housing. In comparison to the broader MSA, where average FMRs might be higher, ZIP 21911 stands out as having a lower FMR, which could make it attractive for landlords participating in the Section 8 program due to the potential for higher profit margins.
The market rent in ZIP 21911 is listed at $1,218. This is notably lower than the FMR, suggesting that landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers could potentially charge more than the market rate, thus benefiting from the federal subsidy. However, this also indicates that the area might not be experiencing significant upward pressure on rents, which could mean it is either a value pocket or a mid-tier neighborhood depending on other factors.
The median home value in ZIP 21911 is $393,865. This figure is likely below the average home values found in more affluent parts of the MSA, but it could still be considered competitive within the context of the region's overall real estate market. A lower home value combined with a higher-than-average renter share could indicate a more affordable living area that is appealing to renters, possibly making it a sweet spot for Section 8 participation.
The renter share in ZIP 21911 is 19.5%. While this percentage is above the national average, it is important to consider how it compares to the MSA average. If the MSA has a significantly lower renter share, then ZIP 21911's higher proportion of renters could suggest a greater demand for rental properties, particularly those that qualify for federal assistance programs like Section 8.
Based on the provided figures, ZIP 21911 appears to be a value pocket within the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA. The lower FMR and market rent, combined with a higher renter share, indicate an area where there is a strong presence of renters, many of whom may rely on federal assistance. This makes it a strategic location for landlords looking to participate in the Section 8 program, as they can benefit from the subsidy while offering housing at a price point that is accessible to a larger portion of the population. Additionally, the lower home values compared to more affluent areas within the MSA further support the classification of ZIP 21911 as a value pocket, where the cost of property ownership is relatively low, but the rental market dynamics favor the presence of federally assisted tenants.
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.