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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,060 | $110,720 | 0.96% | C |
| 3BR | $1,350 | $182,437 | 0.74% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing analysis for ZIP code 15436, which encompasses Fairchance, PA, reveals a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. For fiscal year 2024, the FMR is set at $970, while the Census ACS reports the average market rent at $698. This means that the FMR is $272 higher than the market rent, representing a 39% premium.
This gap makes properties in Fairchance, PA, an attractive yield play for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The higher FMR allows landlords to charge more than the typical market rate, ensuring a steady and often higher rental income. With 33.9% of residents renting, there is a substantial demand for affordable housing options, which the Section 8 program satisfies.
In Fairchance, the median home value stands at $137,106, indicating a relatively stable real estate market. However, the median income of $62,917 suggests that many residents may struggle to afford homes above the median price, making rental properties, especially those covered under the Section 8 program, highly sought after.
While the FMR provides a financial incentive for landlords, it's important to note that housing voucher tenants come with their own set of considerations. The cost of maintaining and managing properties for voucher tenants can be lower due to government subsidies, but it also requires compliance with federal regulations and potential inspections. Despite these factors, the ability to charge closer to the FMR of $970 compared to the average market rent of $698 makes this a compelling investment strategy in Fairchance, PA.
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.