Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Metro: Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,100 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,147 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,254 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 15492, located in Wickhaven, Pennsylvania, can serve as a diversifier within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. With a 39.0% renter share, it indicates a significant portion of the population relies on rental properties, making it a suitable market for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The median household income in ZIP 15492 is $37,196, which is relatively low compared to the national average. This suggests that many residents might qualify for Section 8 vouchers, increasing the demand for affordable rental units. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a one-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2024 is $950. While the market data is not fully available, the high percentage of renters and low median income support the viability of Section 8 in this area.
Additionally, the ZIP code has a 39.3% vacancy rate, indicating a surplus of housing units. This could mean that there are opportunities to acquire properties at potentially lower costs, though the median home value is $156,250, which is not particularly low compared to some other areas in Pennsylvania. However, the combination of low income levels and high renter share makes it a strong candidate for diversifying a Section 8-focused investment portfolio.
Investing in ZIP 15492 allows landlords to tap into a market with a substantial need for affordable housing, thereby stabilizing cash flow and providing a reliable tenant base. The data supports the notion that this ZIP code is best suited as a diversifier rather than a cash-flow anchor or appreciation play due to the limited availability of recent market and home value data.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.