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 | $1,190 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,270 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,130 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,471 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,768 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,989 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,138 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,270 | $113,298 | 1.12% | B |
| 2BR | $1,540 | $132,900 | 1.16% | B |
| 3BR | $1,970 | $184,558 | 1.07% | B |
| 4BR | $2,130 | $233,979 | 0.91% | C |
| 5BR | $2,471 | $276,419 | 0.89% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 15212 in Pittsburgh, PA, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1150. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 program. It's important to note that this is not the actual rent you will receive; it's the benchmark used to determine the subsidy amount.
In comparison, the local Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) stands at $1,439. This indicates that the market rent in your area exceeds the FMR, meaning that if you participate in Section 8, you will be receiving less than the average market rent. However, the demand for rental properties in this ZIP code is substantial, with nearly half (49.9%) of all households being renters. This high renter share suggests there is a significant need for affordable housing options, which could make Section 8 a viable choice despite the lower rent.
The median home value in ZIP 15212 is approximately $172,542. This figure can help you gauge the potential acquisition cost of a property suitable for a Section 8 tenant. While this is the median price, actual costs can vary depending on the condition and size of the property.
Before committing to a Section 8 rental, verify that your property meets all the necessary inspection criteria. The Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection is mandatory, and failing it can delay or prevent you from participating in the program. Ensure that your property is up to code in terms of safety, cleanliness, and functionality to avoid any issues.
In summary, while the FMR of $1150 is lower than the market rate of $1,439, the strong demand for rentals in ZIP 15212 makes Section 8 a reasonable option. With a median home value of around $172,542, the initial investment can be justified by the steady income provided by the program. Just make sure your property passes the HQS inspection to proceed smoothly.
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.