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 | $1,130 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,200 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,860 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,343 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,624 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,834 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,976 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,460 | $214,525 | 0.68% | D |
| 3BR | $1,860 | $341,537 | 0.54% | F |
| 4BR | $2,020 | $562,280 | 0.36% | F |
| 5BR | $2,343 | $665,198 | 0.35% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 15139, which covers Oakmont, PA, in Allegheny County, operate under specific guidelines tied to the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent). For fiscal year 2024, the SAFMR for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code is set at $1180. This figure is crucial because it determines the maximum amount that a Section 8 housing voucher can pay towards rent.
Local market rents, as measured by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), stand at $1725 for a similar two-bedroom unit. This indicates a significant difference between the market rent and the SAFMR. Landlords often wonder how much they will receive when a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher. Here’s a breakdown:
A Section 8 voucher holder is typically responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. This amount is known as the tenant portion. Additionally, there are utility allowances, which vary but are generally lower than the actual costs tenants incur. The voucher program then pays the difference between the tenant's contribution and the SAFMR up to $1180.
For example, if a tenant's adjusted income is $2000 per month, they would be expected to contribute $600 ($2000 * 0.3) towards rent. If the utility allowance is $200, the total amount the landlord receives from the voucher program for a $1180 SAFMR would be $780 ($1180 - $600 - $200).
This means that for a two-bedroom apartment priced at $1725, the landlord would need to cover the remaining $545 ($1725 - $1180) to make up the difference between the SAFMR and the market rent. This gap is a critical consideration for landlords who want to understand the financial implications of renting to Section 8 tenants.
In summary, the typical reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 15139 is $545 per month. This gap represents the shortfall between the local market rent and the maximum allowable rent under the Section 8 program. It is important for landlords to factor this into their decision-making process when considering participation in the Section 8 program.
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.