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 | $1,060 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,130 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,750 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,900 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,204 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,468 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,665 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,798 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,130 | $99,690 | 1.13% | B |
| 2BR | $1,370 | $189,938 | 0.72% | D |
| 3BR | $1,750 | $294,867 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $1,900 | $525,695 | 0.36% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 15017, located in Bridgeville, PA, falls within the larger Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro Fair Market Rent (FMR) Area. The FMR for this ZIP code in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,180. This figure represents the maximum amount that a Section 8 voucher holder can pay toward their monthly rent, based on HUD guidelines.
The market rent for ZIP 15017 is slightly higher at $1,351, indicating that the area is moderately priced compared to the overall metro region. However, the median home value stands at $295,063, which is notably lower than many other ZIP codes within the Pittsburgh metro area. This suggests that 15017 could be considered a value pocket within the broader market, offering more affordable housing options for both renters and homeowners.
The renter share in ZIP 15017 is 26.8%, which is relatively high compared to some areas within the Pittsburgh metro. Typically, a higher percentage of renters combined with lower home values can indicate a potential sweet spot for landlords participating in the Section 8 program. This is because it attracts more tenants who qualify for assistance, increasing demand for subsidized rental units.
Given the specific figures, it's evident that ZIP 15017 offers a balance between affordability and accessibility for Section 8 participants. The gap between the FMR and market rent, while present, is not excessively wide, suggesting that landlords can still find profitability in this area without setting rents so high that they exceed the affordability threshold for voucher holders.
To further contextualize, consider the following:
In summary, ZIP 15017 appears to be a value pocket within the Pittsburgh metro area, offering opportunities for landlords and small-portfolio investors to participate in the Section 8 program while maintaining reasonable rental rates and property values.
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.