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 | $1,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,060 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,790 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,076 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,325 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,511 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,637 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,290 | $170,888 | 0.75% | D |
| 3BR | $1,650 | $255,339 | 0.65% | D |
| 4BR | $1,790 | $403,483 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 15085, located in Trafford, PA, has a population of 8,062 residents. With only 11.0% of the population being renters, it is evident that this area is primarily dominated by homeowners rather than renters. This low percentage of renters suggests that the demand for housing vouchers under the Section 8 program is likely to be limited.
The median household income in Trafford, PA is $82,456, which places it in a higher income bracket compared to many other areas. The typical market rent of $996 is relatively affordable for the majority of households in this ZIP code. In fact, the average rent consumes approximately 1.2% of the median household income. This is calculated by taking the annual rent ($996 * 12 months = $11,952) and dividing it by the median household income ($82,456), resulting in a ratio of about 14.5%, indicating that rent is manageable for most residents.
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 15085 is set at $980 for fiscal year 2024, which is slightly below the current market rent of $996. This minor difference means that landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers will still be able to charge rents close to the market rate, though they may need to adjust slightly downward to meet the FMR guidelines.
A landlord in Trafford, PA can expect tenants who are generally financially stable and capable of meeting their rental obligations without significant assistance. These tenants are likely to have a steady income source and a history of maintaining employment, aligning with the overall economic health of the area. While some tenants may use Section 8 vouchers, the scarcity of such demand indicates that landlords might prioritize other factors, such as credit scores and rental history, when selecting tenants.
To conclude, ZIP code 15085 is not a renter-heavy area with deep voucher demand. Instead, it is an area where the majority of residents own homes, and those who do rent are typically able to afford market rates without substantial government subsidies. Landlords should prepare for a tenant pool that is economically secure and less reliant on housing assistance programs.
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.