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 | $920 |
| 1 Bedroom | $980 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,914 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,316 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,432 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,190 | $40,131 | 2.97% | A+ |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 15413, located in Allison, PA, Fayette County, are straightforward when you understand how the payments work. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code for fiscal year 2024 is set at $980. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay towards a tenant's rent. However, it's important to note that the local market rent for a similar unit is typically around $775, according to Census ACS data.
A Section 8 voucher does not cover the entire rent. Instead, it covers the difference between what the tenant can afford and the actual rent. Here’s how it works:
Tenants are generally required to contribute 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If a tenant has an adjusted income of $1,600 per month, they would contribute $480 towards rent.
The remaining amount, up to the SAFMR, is covered by the housing assistance payment. In this case, if the total rent is $980, the housing authority would pay the landlord $500 ($980 - $480).
Utility allowances are also part of the calculation. For ZIP 15413, the utility allowance for a two-bedroom apartment is included in the SAFMR figure. Therefore, the landlord does not need to separately account for utilities in the rent calculation.
Given these specifics, landlords in ZIP 15413 can expect a reimbursement of up to $980 per month for a two-bedroom unit. However, because the local market rent is lower at $775, landlords who participate in the Section 8 program for a two-bedroom apartment will likely see a surplus of $205 per month ($980 - $775).
This surplus provides a buffer for landlords, ensuring that they receive a payment that exceeds the typical market rate. It's a financial advantage that can help offset any potential administrative costs associated with participating in the Section 8 program.
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.