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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,659 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,858 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,107 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,030 | $107,052 | 0.96% | C |
| 3BR | $1,310 | $164,434 | 0.8% | D |
| 4BR | $1,430 | $158,404 | 0.9% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for a Section 8 landlord in ZIP 15431, Dunbar, PA, include significant tenant turnover due to the disparity between the market rent of $819 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $910 for fiscal year 2024. This gap suggests that tenants might struggle to afford the higher FMR, leading to frequent moves and higher vacancy rates. Additionally, the vacancy exposure is heightened because the Days on Market (DOM) for rental listings is not available, indicating a lack of data on how quickly properties rent out. The typical home value of $137,707 combined with a median income of $62,202 exposes landlords to the possibility of deferred maintenance, as property owners may find it challenging to keep up with necessary repairs without additional financial support.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the high percentage of renters in the area, which stands at 19.7%. High renter density typically correlates with greater demand for housing vouchers, making it easier to fill vacancies with Section 8 tenants. This demand can stabilize cash flow and reduce the likelihood of prolonged vacancies.
In summary, despite the challenges posed by potential tenant turnover and deferred maintenance, the strong presence of renters in Dunbar, PA, provides a solid foundation for Section 8 investments. Therefore, the overall risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 15431 is moderate.
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.