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 | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $960 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,868 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,092 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,259 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,372 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,160 | $36,821 | 3.15% | A+ |
| 3BR | $1,480 | $52,185 | 2.84% | A+ |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In assessing the investment risk for Section 8 properties in ZIP code 15033 in Donora, PA, several factors must be considered to ensure a comprehensive understanding of potential challenges. Firstly, tenant turnover can be a significant issue, especially when comparing the market rent of $895 against the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1050 for fiscal year 2024. This discrepancy suggests that landlords might face difficulties in retaining tenants who are accustomed to the lower market rent rates.
Vacancy exposure is another critical concern. With an average Days on Market (DOM) that is not available, it's challenging to predict how long properties might remain vacant. High vacancy periods can lead to significant financial losses for landlords, particularly if they are unable to quickly fill vacancies with Section 8 tenants.
The deferred maintenance exposure is also noteworthy. The typical home value in the area is $44,539, while the median household income is $39,921. These figures indicate that many homeowners may struggle to maintain their properties, which could affect the overall condition of rental homes in the area. Landlords must be prepared to invest in regular maintenance to keep properties up to code and attractive to tenants.
However, these risks are tempered by the high proportion of renters in the area, with 46.4% of households being renters. This high renter share typically correlates with a higher demand for housing vouchers, which can provide a steady stream of qualified tenants for Section 8 properties. Despite the challenges, the strong rental market suggests that there will likely be a consistent pool of tenants willing to use their vouchers to secure housing.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.