Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 15126 - 2027

Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Metro: Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro FMR Area

Investment Score for ZIP 15126

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,210

Median Price (2BR)

$167,614

1% Rule

0.72%

Annual Yield

8.66%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$940
1 Bedroom	$1,000
2 Bedrooms	$1,210
3 Bedrooms	$1,540
4 Bedrooms	$1,680
5 Bedrooms	$1,949
6 Bedrooms	$2,183
7 Bedrooms	$2,358
8 Bedrooms	$2,476

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,210	$167,614	0.72%	D
3BR	$1,540	$293,063	0.53%	F
4BR	$1,680	$426,725	0.39%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

7,276

Median Household Income

$99,693

Housing Units

3,442

Renter Percentage

20.8%

Occupancy Rate

93.4%

Renter Occupied

670

The ZIP code 15126, located in Imperial, Pennsylvania, represents a modest-sized community with a mix of homeowners and renters. The area offers a blend of rural charm and suburban convenience, making it attractive to various demographics. This analysis delves into key metrics that define the rental market dynamics, providing insights for landlords and small-portfolio investors.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 15126 is set at $1020 per month for fiscal year 2024, indicating the government's benchmark for affordable housing standards.
The average market rent, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), stands at $958 per month, slightly below the FMR but still reflective of the local rental rates.
The median home value in the area is $294,188, suggesting a middle-class residential market where property values are stable and reasonable.
Renters make up 20.8% of the population, which is a moderate share, balancing the presence of both long-term residents and transient tenants.
The median household income in ZIP 15126 is $99,693, offering a glimpse into the financial stability of the residents and their ability to pay higher rents.
Unfortunately, the exact number of days on market (DOM) for rental properties is not available, which could provide insight into how quickly units are being rented out.

Synthesizing these points, the rental market in ZIP 15126 presents a balanced opportunity for investment. With the FMR slightly above the market rent, there is potential to increase rental prices without significantly deterring tenants. The median home value indicates a stable property market, while the moderate renter share suggests a diverse housing demand. High median incomes bolster confidence in tenants' ability to meet rent obligations, though the lack of DOM data leaves some uncertainty about the speed of leasing properties. Overall, the area supports a cautious yet optimistic outlook for landlords and investors looking to enter or expand in the rental market.

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.