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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,705 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,166 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $870 | $74,374 | 1.17% | B |
| 2BR | $1,060 | $112,310 | 0.94% | C |
| 3BR | $1,350 | $190,459 | 0.71% | D |
| 4BR | $1,470 | $203,823 | 0.72% | D |
| 5BR | $1,705 | $272,113 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 15401, located in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The median household income in this area stands at $53,925 according to recent Census Bureau data. Against this backdrop, the market rate for rent is $794 per month, which is a significant portion of the average income. To put it into perspective, a household earning the median income would spend approximately 18.5% of their gross monthly income on rent at the market rate.
However, the situation becomes more complex when considering the federal payment standard for housing vouchers. For ZIP code 15401 in fiscal year 2024, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) is set at $950. This means that a household receiving a housing voucher could potentially pay up to this amount, which is notably higher than the current market rate of $794. The discrepancy between the market rate and the voucher payment standard highlights a potential affordability gap for many renters in the area.
In Uniontown, 37.7% of the population are renters, indicating a substantial rental market within the 29,942-person community. Given the median income and the current market rate, the majority of renters might find it challenging to afford market-rate rents without financial assistance. This affordability gap could lead to increased competition among landlords who accept vouchers, as they offer a more stable and predictable source of income compared to those relying solely on cash-paying tenants.
The takeaway for landlords and small-portfolio investors is clear: accepting housing vouchers can be a strategic move to secure a reliable tenant base in an area where the cost of living outpaces the median income. While the market rate of $794 is lower than the voucher payment standard of $950, the decision to accept vouchers should be made based on the overall demand for affordable housing and the stability it provides. Landlords who consider both cash-pay and voucher strategies will have a competitive edge in attracting and retaining tenants in Uniontown's ZIP code 15401.
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.