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 | $1,100 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,170 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,285 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,559 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,764 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,902 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,420 | $83,764 | 1.7% | A+ |
| 3BR | $1,810 | $224,156 | 0.81% | C |
| 4BR | $1,970 | $434,884 | 0.45% | F |
| 5BR | $2,285 | $301,502 | 0.76% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 15136, located in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, presents a nuanced landscape for both renters and landlords. The median income in this area stands at $69,099, which provides a baseline for understanding the financial capabilities of local households.
Considering the market rate rent, or ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), of $1,176, it becomes evident that housing costs represent a significant portion of a typical household's budget. For a household earning the median income, this translates to approximately 20% of their monthly income being allocated towards rent. This figure suggests that while rent is affordable, it leaves little room for other expenses, such as utilities, food, and healthcare.
In comparison, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 15136 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,140. This amount is slightly lower than the market rate but still represents a considerable expense for residents. Voucher holders who receive assistance up to the FMR level can expect to pay less out-of-pocket compared to those paying market rates, making subsidized housing an attractive option for many renters.
The rental market in ZIP 15136 is moderately competitive, with 35.5% of the 22,623 population renting their homes. Given this percentage, there is a notable segment of the population looking for affordable housing options, which can impact a landlord's strategy when considering whether to accept Section 8 vouchers or focus on cash-paying tenants.
The affordability gap between the median income and the market rate rent highlights the necessity for rental subsidies. For landlords, accepting vouchers can ensure a steady stream of reliable tenants, albeit with the administrative burden and potential delays in receiving payments. On the other hand, focusing on cash-paying tenants might yield higher rents, but it could also lead to increased vacancy rates due to the limited financial capacity of some residents.
The takeaway for landlords is that the decision to accept Section 8 vouchers should be based on a careful assessment of the local rental market dynamics and personal risk tolerance. While vouchers offer stability and a guaranteed tenant pool, cash-paying strategies can provide higher immediate returns but require navigating a potentially tighter rental market. In ZIP 15136, where the median income is close to the market rate rent, landlords must weigh these factors carefully to maximize occupancy and profitability.
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.