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 | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $123,300 | 0.82% | C |
| 3BR | $1,300 | $184,143 | 0.71% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median income in ZIP code 15456, which includes Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania, stands at $58,828. Given the market rate for rent at $638 according to the Census ACS, it becomes evident that a significant portion of households might struggle to cover their housing costs without financial strain. This places a considerable burden on the average resident, where nearly every dollar earned could be essential for other basic needs.
To further contextualize the affordability issue, consider the voucher payment standard set at $980 for fiscal year 2024. This figure far exceeds the current market rate, indicating that families receiving Housing Choice Vouchers (commonly known as Section 8 vouchers) have a substantial advantage in securing rental housing over those relying solely on their income. The difference between the market rate and the voucher standard highlights a notable gap in what residents can afford versus what subsidized renters can pay.
In ZIP 15456, only 11.6% of the total population are renters, with a population count of 2,534. This means there are approximately 294 renters in the area. Given the limited number of renters and the affordability challenges faced by those without subsidies, landlords might find themselves competing for a relatively small pool of tenants who can pay the market rate consistently. On the other hand, accepting Section 8 vouchers could open up access to a broader tenant base, ensuring steady and reliable rental income.
The takeaway for landlords considering whether to accept voucher tenants or focus on cash-paying ones is clear. While the local rental market is tight, with limited demand from non-subsidized tenants, the higher payment standards associated with Section 8 vouchers provide a compelling alternative. Accepting vouchers can lead to a more stable occupancy rate and a guaranteed income that surpasses the typical market rate, making it a strategic choice for landlords looking to secure long-term tenancy in ZIP 15456.
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.