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 | $910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $970 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,104 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,272 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,170 | $94,431 | 1.24% | A |
| 3BR | $1,490 | $130,662 | 1.14% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of the Section 8 program in ZIP 15018, Buena Vista, PA, reveals a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rents. The FMR for ZIP 15018 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $950. However, recent market data shows that the average rent for houses in the surrounding areas exceeds this figure. For instance, a house in nearby Homestead, PA (ZIP 15120) is listed at $1,350 per month, while another in Pittsburgh, PA (ZIP 15221) is priced at $1,750 monthly.
The disparity between the FMR and market rents is stark. The gap amounts to $400 and $800, respectively, for these examples. This translates into a percentage difference of approximately 42% and 84%, indicating that landlords could be missing out on potential revenue if they solely rely on Section 8 vouchers.
In the context of Buena Vista, PA, where only 3.9% of residents are renters, the median home value stands at $106,647, and the median income is $37,000, it becomes evident that voucher tenants represent a smaller segment of the rental market. Landlords should carefully consider the implications of accepting Section 8 vouchers, as they may need to adjust their investment strategies to ensure profitability.
While voucher tenants provide a steady stream of income, landlords must weigh this against the lower rental rates compared to the open market. The cost of housing voucher tenants below market rates means landlords could potentially earn significantly more by renting to non-voucher tenants, although this would depend on the local demand and the availability of alternative housing options.
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.