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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,121 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,040 | $119,228 | 0.87% | C |
| 3BR | $1,330 | $173,155 | 0.77% | D |
| 4BR | $1,440 | $268,283 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 15084, Tarentum, PA, is set at $960 for fiscal year 2024. In comparison, the market rent as per Census ACS data stands at $795, indicating that voucher tenants can generate positive cash flow at the HUD FMR rate. This means that landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect to see a margin of $165 above the typical market rent when renting to voucher holders.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which is $150,613. The rent-to-price ratio, calculated using the HUD FMR, is approximately 8.5%, while using the market rent, it drops to about 6.6%. Both ratios suggest a reasonable return on investment relative to property values, but the higher ratio at HUD FMR indicates better cash flow opportunities.
Regarding the days on market (DOM) and price-cutting trends, the data shows a median DOM of N/A and a price-cut share of 0.2%. These figures imply that the real estate market in Tarentum is stable, with little need for significant price adjustments. However, these metrics do not significantly impact the decision between renting and buying since they indicate minimal volatility.
The strongest angle for investors in this market is cashflow. With the HUD FMR substantially exceeding the market rent, landlords can expect consistent and reliable income from voucher tenants, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing steady cash flow over other investment considerations.
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.