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 | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,100 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,763 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,975 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,133 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,100 | $80,517 | 1.37% | A |
| 3BR | $1,400 | $113,382 | 1.23% | A |
| 4BR | $1,520 | $114,752 | 1.32% | A |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 15112, which includes East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is set at $920 for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the payment standard under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, meaning that if you participate in this program, your rental income will be capped at this amount per month. It's important to note that this does not necessarily reflect the actual rent that tenants will pay; rather, it's the maximum reimbursement rate the government will provide.
To put this into context, the average rent in the area, according to the Census American Community Survey, is $811. This suggests that the FMR is slightly higher than the typical market rent, which could be advantageous for landlords who want to ensure they receive a competitive income.
The percentage of residents who are renters in East Pittsburgh stands at 54.0%. This indicates a significant portion of the population relies on rental housing, creating a steady demand for properties. However, this also means that there is competition among landlords, and you'll need to offer a well-maintained property to attract tenants.
When considering the acquisition cost of a rental property in this area, the median household income can be a useful indicator. The median household income in ZIP 15112 is approximately $99,984. While this doesn't directly affect your rental income, it does suggest that the area has a moderate economic base, which can support rental values and potentially lower vacancy rates.
Before you decide to pull the trigger on your first Section 8 rental, it's crucial to verify the condition of the property against the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the home is safe and habitable for tenants, and failing to meet these criteria can result in penalties or disqualification from the program. Make sure the property is up to code and meets all necessary requirements to avoid any issues 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.