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 | $1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,120 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,443 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,638 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,770 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,360 | $233,343 | 0.58% | F |
| 3BR | $1,740 | $298,491 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $1,880 | $398,462 | 0.47% | F |
| 5BR | $2,181 | $490,289 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To determine if a landlord should invest in ZIP 15116 (Glenshaw, PA) for Section 8 properties, follow these steps:
Step 1: Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 15116 in fiscal year 2024 is $1230. For a property valued at $300,796, calculate if this FMR can cover the debt service. The debt service includes mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and other expenses. If the total monthly debt service is less than $1230, then the DSCR is positive and the answer is Yes. Otherwise, it's No.
Step 2: Market Rent Comparison
The Census ACS reports that the average market rent in ZIP 15116 is $1,107. Compare this figure to the FMR of $1230.
Step 3: Tenant Demand Analysis
In ZIP 15116, 13.6% of the population are renters. The Days on Market (DOM) for rental properties is listed as N/A, which could mean there is either insufficient data or that rentals are typically occupied quickly. Given the percentage of renters, it suggests a steady demand. However, without specific DOM data, it's hard to quantify how quickly units are filled.
Based on the provided data, ZIP 15116 presents an opportunity for landlords interested in Section 8 properties, especially if the market rent is below the FMR and the property's debt service is covered by the FMR. However, the lack of DOM data introduces uncertainty into the demand analysis, necessitating further investigation into local rental dynamics.
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.