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 | $1,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,060 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,790 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,076 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,325 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,511 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,637 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,290 | $141,190 | 0.91% | C |
| 3BR | $1,650 | $192,459 | 0.86% | C |
| 4BR | $1,790 | $242,321 | 0.74% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 15131, located in White Oak, PA, is home to 8,209 residents, with 30.5% of them being renters. This makes it a moderately renter-heavy area, suggesting there is some depth to the voucher demand, though not overwhelming. The median household income in this ZIP code stands at $61,744, which provides a useful benchmark for assessing the affordability of housing.
The market rent in ZIP 15131 is $997 per month, representing approximately 19.1% of the median household income when calculated on an annual basis. This figure is slightly below the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by HUD for the fiscal year 2024, which is $1080 for this ZIP code. The FMR is a guideline used to determine payment standards for housing assistance programs such as Section 8, indicating that properties renting close to $997 may be well-positioned to attract voucher holders without exceeding the subsidy limits.
To put these numbers into perspective, consider that a significant portion of the renter population would likely qualify for housing assistance based on their income levels. With a median income of $61,744, many households could find the market rent of $997 to be a substantial burden, making them ideal candidates for Section 8 vouchers. Landlords in this area can expect tenants who rely on government subsidies to cover a substantial part of their rental costs, ensuring a steady and reliable source of income.
The expected tenant profile for landlords in ZIP 15131 would include individuals and families who benefit from Section 8 vouchers. These tenants are typically low-income earners who require financial assistance to afford housing. Given the relatively high proportion of renters and the alignment between market rents and the FMR, landlords should anticipate a consistent demand for affordable housing options.
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.