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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $51,354 | 1.97% | A+ |
| 3BR | $1,300 | $61,121 | 2.13% | A+ |
| 4BR | $1,420 | $68,840 | 2.06% | A+ |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 15110, located in Duquesne, PA, within Allegheny County, operate under specific financial guidelines. For fiscal year 2024, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code is set at $910. This SAFMR represents the maximum amount that the federal government will pay towards rent for a unit deemed suitable for a low-income family participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
The local market rent for a two-bedroom apartment, based on Census ACS data, is currently $739. This figure provides a benchmark against which the SAFMR can be compared, indicating the general affordability of rental properties in the area.
A landlord receiving a Section 8 voucher payment should understand the components of the total reimbursement. The voucher payment consists of the difference between the SAFMR and the tenant's portion of the rent, which is typically 30% of their income. Additionally, there are utility allowances that cover some of the tenant's electricity, gas, water, and other household utilities costs. For ZIP 15110, these utility allowances are included in the reimbursement calculation.
To illustrate, if a tenant's portion of the rent is $200 (assuming their income allows for this), and the utility allowance is $150, then the landlord would receive a reimbursement of $910 minus the $200 tenant contribution, plus the $150 utility allowance. Therefore, the landlord would be reimbursed $860 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. This amount is less than the SAFMR due to the tenant's contribution but includes the utility allowance.
Given that the local market rent is $739, landlords in ZIP 15110 might find themselves with a slight surplus when accepting a Section 8 voucher. The difference between the SAFMR and the local market rent, after accounting for the tenant's contribution and utility allowances, results in a monthly surplus of $121 for a two-bedroom unit. This surplus can help offset potential maintenance costs or vacancies, making Section 8 vouchers a viable option for landlords looking to maintain steady cash flow in this area.
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.