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 | $960 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,995 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,234 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,413 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,534 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,240 | $154,134 | 0.8% | C |
| 3BR | $1,580 | $208,084 | 0.76% | D |
| 4BR | $1,720 | $241,905 | 0.71% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 15052, located in Industry, PA, within the Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro FMR Area, serves as a solid cash-flow anchor for any Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 stands at $970, while the market rent averages $983. This minimal spread of just $13 indicates that the area closely aligns with HUD's FMR guidelines, ensuring steady and predictable cash flow for landlords.
The median home value in ZIP 15052 is $191,877, which is relatively low compared to other areas in the Pittsburgh metropolitan region. This makes it an attractive option for investors looking to minimize their initial investment costs while maintaining a strong rental market presence.
While there is no specific data on price-cut share and days on market (DOM), the lack of these figures does not detract from its role as a cash-flow anchor. The key metric here is the alignment between the FMR and market rents, which suggests stability and reliability in rental income.
ZIP 15052 also has a 13.0% renter share, indicating a moderate level of demand for rental properties. Coupled with a median income of $73,352, there is sufficient financial capacity among residents to support rental payments, further reinforcing its suitability as a cash-flow anchor.
In conclusion, ZIP 15052 offers a stable and predictable environment for Section 8 investments due to its close alignment with HUD's FMR guidelines and moderate renter demand. It is not positioned as an appreciation play or a diversifier given the available data, but rather as a reliable asset for generating consistent cash flow.
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.