Location: Greene County, 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 | $980 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,030 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,260 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,441 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,563 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,590 | $283,498 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 15329, the economics of Section 8 housing involve understanding the Specific Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR) and comparing it against the local market rent. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for FY 2024 is set at $1010. This figure is specific to this ZIP code, meaning it reflects the rental rates approved by HUD for this particular area.
The local market rent, according to Census ACS data, is $1,007. This indicates that the SAFMR is slightly higher than the average market rent in ZIP 15329, which can be beneficial for landlords participating in the program.
A landlord who accepts a Section 8 voucher will receive reimbursement based on the SAFMR, but there are additional considerations such as the tenant's portion of the rent and utility allowances. The tenant typically pays 30% of their adjusted income towards rent, and the remaining amount is covered by the voucher. Utility allowances are also included in the voucher payment, which vary depending on the season and household size.
To illustrate, if a tenant has an adjusted monthly income of $1,500, they would pay 30% of that, which is $450, towards rent. The voucher would cover the difference between the tenant’s contribution and the SAFMR, up to $1010. Therefore, the voucher would pay $560 in this scenario ($1010 - $450).
Utility allowances add to the total reimbursement. These allowances are determined by HUD and can range significantly. For example, a winter utility allowance might be $200, while summer might be lower at $150. Thus, the total reimbursement for a landlord could be $760 in winter ($560 for rent + $200 for utilities) and $710 in summer ($560 for rent + $150 for utilities).
Given these specifics, landlords in ZIP 15329 should expect a reimbursement that is higher than the local market rent, leading to a potential surplus. If the local market rent is $1,007, then even in the lower utility allowance period, the landlord would still see a positive difference of $53 per month ($710 - $1,007). This means landlords can benefit financially by participating in the Section 8 program, as the reimbursement rates exceed the typical market rates.
Landlords should note that the actual surplus or gap can vary based on the specific circumstances of each tenant, including their income level and any adjustments made by the local housing authority. However, the general trend in ZIP 15329 suggests a positive financial impact for landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers.
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.