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 | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $960 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,868 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,092 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,259 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,372 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,160 | $128,461 | 0.9% | C |
| 3BR | $1,480 | $176,342 | 0.84% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 15225 in Pittsburgh, PA, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1020. This figure is slightly above the current market rent, known as the Zillow Observed Rental Index (ZORI), which stands at $1000. For Section 8 investors in this area, the $1020 FMR means that voucher tenants will generally cashflow at the FMR rate, though the difference is minimal, indicating a marginal cashflow scenario.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which is $153,921. Using this, we can derive the rent-to-price ratio by dividing the ZORI by the median home value. The calculation yields a ratio of approximately 0.65%, suggesting that rental income is relatively low compared to property values. However, this does not necessarily indicate poor investment prospects, as it reflects the local market dynamics where homeownership might be more attractive due to lower property values.
Note that the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts are not applicable (N/A) in this context, as these metrics pertain more directly to the buying market rather than the rental market. Nevertheless, the stability of the rental market is a key factor for investors, especially those relying on Section 8 vouchers, as it ensures a steady stream of tenants and predictable income.
In conclusion, the strongest angle for investors in ZIP 15225 is likely to be stability, given the close alignment between market rents and the HUD FMR, which supports consistent occupancy rates and rental income from voucher tenants.
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.