Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Metro: Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,070 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,140 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,760 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,216 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,681 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,815 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,140 | $97,051 | 1.17% | B |
| 2BR | $1,380 | $151,165 | 0.91% | C |
| 3BR | $1,760 | $221,786 | 0.79% | D |
| 4BR | $1,910 | $339,784 | 0.56% | F |
| 5BR | $2,216 | $348,296 | 0.64% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment landscape for Section 8 landlords in ZIP code 15001, located in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, presents several challenges. Firstly, tenant turnover is likely to be higher due to the disparity between the market rent of $1,376 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,130 for fiscal year 2024. This difference suggests that tenants may struggle to afford the higher market rates, leading to frequent moves and higher vacancy rates.
Vacancy exposure is another concern, with an average Days on Market (DOM) of 41 days. This indicates that it can take over a month to find a new tenant, which can result in significant financial losses during that period. Additionally, the typical home value of $198,392 paired with a median income of $70,985 means that many homeowners may be unable to cover maintenance costs without assistance, increasing the risk of deferred maintenance and subsequent repair expenses.
Despite these risks, there are factors that mitigate them. The renter share in the area stands at 24.4%, which is relatively high. High renter density often translates into greater demand for rental properties, including those participating in the Section 8 program. This demand can help stabilize occupancy levels and reduce the likelihood of prolonged vacancies.
In summary, the risks associated with Section 8 investments in ZIP 15001 include high tenant turnover, extended vacancy periods, and potential deferred maintenance issues. However, the strong rental market presence provides a counterbalance. Based on this analysis, the overall risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in this area is moderate.
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.