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 | $1,030 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,100 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,840 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,134 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,390 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,581 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,710 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,100 | $114,878 | 0.96% | C |
| 2BR | $1,330 | $155,374 | 0.86% | C |
| 3BR | $1,700 | $232,015 | 0.73% | D |
| 4BR | $1,840 | $370,305 | 0.5% | F |
| 5BR | $2,134 | $345,354 | 0.62% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 15106 in Carnegie, PA, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1120. This figure represents the payment standard for landlords participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. It's important to note that this is not the amount you will receive as rent; it's the maximum amount the government will pay toward a tenant's rent. If your rental property's market rate is higher than $1120, the tenant would need to pay the difference out of pocket.
In comparison, the local Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) for the area is $1,344. This means that if you're not participating in Section 8, you could potentially charge a higher rent based on the current market rates. However, with Section 8, you are limited to the FMR.
The 32.9% renter share indicates that slightly over one-third of the households in the area are renters. This suggests a moderate level of demand for rental properties. While not extremely high, there is a significant portion of the population looking for places to rent, which can be beneficial when managing a Section 8 property.
If you're considering purchasing a property to use as a Section 8 rental, the median home value in the area is approximately $213,842. This is the typical price you might expect to pay for an average home in Carnegie, PA, and should factor into your decision-making process regarding the potential profitability of a Section 8 rental.
Before proceeding with a Section 8 rental, verify that your property meets all the necessary requirements for the program, including safety and health standards. The government conducts regular inspections to ensure that homes are up to code and livable conditions are maintained. Ensuring compliance upfront can save you time and money down the line.
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.