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 | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,300 | $185,293 | 0.7% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 15060 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Section 8 Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code for FY 2024 is set at $860. This figure represents the maximum amount that the government will pay toward a tenant's rent, based on the local rental market conditions.
Local market rents, as reported by the Census ACS, average $744 for a two-bedroom unit. This means that the SAFMR exceeds the average market rent, which can be beneficial for landlords in terms of ensuring a stable income source. However, it's important to understand how the actual payment to landlords works when a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher.
The voucher system requires tenants to contribute 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. For example, if a tenant's adjusted income is $1,000 per month, they would pay $300 towards rent. The remainder, up to the SAFMR of $860, is covered by the government. In this scenario, the government would reimburse the landlord $560 ($860 - $300).
Additionally, there are utility allowances that vary but typically do not exceed $200 for a two-bedroom apartment. These allowances are paid directly to the tenant, who then uses them to cover utilities. This does not affect the landlord's reimbursement directly but can impact the overall affordability for the tenant.
To illustrate, if a landlord charges $860 for a two-bedroom apartment, and the tenant's contribution is $300, the landlord will receive $560 from the government. If the landlord charges less, say $744, and the tenant still contributes $300, the government will reimburse the landlord $444 ($744 - $300). This ensures that landlords are paid an amount that reflects the local rental market while providing affordable housing options for low-income families.
In ZIP 15060, given the SAFMR of $860 and the local market rent of $744, landlords who participate in the Section 8 program for a two-bedroom apartment will see a surplus of $116 per month over the average market rent. This surplus compensates landlords for any potential decrease in rent compared to market rates and ensures that the property remains financially viable.
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.