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 | $1,200 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,280 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,980 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,150 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,494 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,016 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,167 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,280 | $159,014 | 0.8% | C |
| 2BR | $1,550 | $274,821 | 0.56% | F |
| 3BR | $1,980 | $417,157 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $2,150 | $702,118 | 0.31% | F |
| 5BR | $2,494 | $1,223,608 | 0.2% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Sewickley, PA (ZIP 15143), presents an interesting balance between yield and stability for real estate investors focused on Section 8 properties. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,520, while the market rent stands at $1,773. This indicates that there is a slight premium for market rents over FMR, suggesting that the area can support higher rents outside of Section 8 but still offers a reasonable yield within the program.
The median home value in Sewickley is $520,296, which is notably high. This high home value means that the initial investment required for purchasing rental properties in this area is substantial. However, it also suggests a relatively affluent neighborhood, which can be beneficial for property maintenance and long-term value retention.
Moving on to stability, Sewickley has a 18.4% rental rate, indicating that a significant portion of the population owns their homes. This lower rental rate can be seen as a potential risk for steady cash flow, as fewer residents are likely to be seeking rentals. Additionally, the days on market (DOM) average is 20 days, which is quite low, suggesting that when rental units do become available, they are filled quickly. This quick turnover can help maintain consistent cash flow, even if the number of renters is limited.
The median household income in Sewickley is $132,674, which is considerably higher than the national average. This high income level supports the idea that the area is stable, with residents having the financial capability to meet their rental obligations. However, it also implies that the demand for affordable housing, such as Section 8, might be lower due to the general affluence of the area.
In conclusion, Sewickley, PA (ZIP 15143) leans towards being a steady-cashflow zone rather than a high-yield/low-stability market. The low days on market and high median income contribute to a stable environment for maintaining rental income. However, the slightly lower rental rate and high home values suggest that while yields may not be exceptionally high, they are reliable. Investors should consider these factors carefully, ensuring they align with their investment strategy and risk tolerance.
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.