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 | $1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,120 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,880 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,443 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,638 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,770 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,360 | $51,171 | 2.66% | A+ |
| 3BR | $1,730 | $148,747 | 1.16% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls for investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP code 15345, Marianna, PA, are significant. Tenant turnover is a critical issue, with the market rent at $1,080 being lower than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,120 for fiscal year 2024. This discrepancy can lead to higher turnover rates as tenants seek to maximize their benefits, often moving to properties that offer the full FMR. The vacancy exposure is also noteworthy due to the lack of data on days on market (DOM), which suggests uncertainty in how quickly units will be filled once vacant. Additionally, the deferred maintenance exposure is considerable, considering the typical home value of $89,877 and the median income of $59,375. Lower incomes may result in less willingness or ability to pay for necessary repairs, leaving the landlord responsible for maintaining property standards.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high renter share of 13.1%. A larger proportion of renters typically indicates higher demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy rates and reduce the financial impact of vacancy periods. The presence of a substantial number of voucher holders can mitigate some of the risks associated with lower market rents and potential deferred maintenance issues.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.