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 | $1,340 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,430 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,784 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,367 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,535 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,730 | $91,466 | 1.89% | A+ |
| 3BR | $2,210 | $182,001 | 1.21% | A |
| 4BR | $2,400 | $117,148 | 2.05% | A+ |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 15458, located in McClellandtown, PA, within Fayette County, operate under specific financial guidelines that landlords should understand. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for FY 2024 is set at $1480. This figure is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, ensuring it reflects the local rental market conditions accurately.
In contrast, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit, based on Census ACS data, averages $1,382. Landlords often wonder how much they can expect to receive when a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher. The actual reimbursement involves calculating both the tenant's portion and the utility allowances.
The voucher system requires that tenants pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,500 per month, the tenant would contribute approximately $450 toward the rent. Utility allowances vary but typically cover a portion of the tenant's electricity, gas, water, and sewer costs. For simplicity, let's consider a utility allowance of around $200.
To find out the total reimbursement amount, add the tenant's contribution and the utility allowance to the subsidy provided by the government. In ZIP 15458, if the SAFMR is $1480, the government would subsidize the difference between the SAFMR and the tenant's contribution. Therefore, the landlord would receive:
This results in a total reimbursement of $1630 ($450 + $200 + $1030).
Given the local market rent of $1,382, landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers in ZIP 15458 will see a surplus. The difference between the reimbursement amount and the local market rent is $248 ($1630 - $1382). This surplus provides a buffer above the prevailing market rates, making Section 8 participation financially viable for landlords.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 15458 can expect a reimbursement of $1630 for a two-bedroom unit, which exceeds the local market rent by $248, creating a positive economic scenario for those who choose to participate in the Section 8 program.
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.