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 | $870 |
| 1 Bedroom | $930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,821 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,203 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,130 | $108,453 | 1.04% | B |
| 3BR | $1,440 | $204,740 | 0.7% | D |
| 4BR | $1,570 | $249,677 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for ZIP code 15314, located in Bentleyville, PA, within the Washington County County and the Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro FMR Area, reveals several key insights for Section 8 investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $850 per month for fiscal year 2024. This figure stands above the reported market rent of $713 per month, based on data from the Census American Community Survey (ACS).
Voucher tenants in ZIP 15314 will generally cashflow at the HUD FMR, meaning that landlords can expect to cover their expenses and make a profit without needing to rely on premium units. The difference between the HUD FMR and the market rent suggests that there is a substantial cushion for landlords, allowing them to manage their properties effectively while still attracting tenants.
The median home value in the area is $159,592. Using the HUD FMR of $850, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio, which is approximately 6.1%. This ratio indicates that rental income relative to property values is favorable, making it an attractive area for investment in rental properties.
Note that the median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut are not applicable (N/A) for this analysis. However, these metrics would typically be relevant when assessing the broader rent-versus-buy dynamics in the area. Given the current data, the strong cashflow potential is the most compelling angle for investors in ZIP 15314. This makes it a particularly stable and profitable investment opportunity, especially for those interested in long-term, consistent returns.
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.