Location: Somerset County, 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 | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $980 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,800 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,088 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,339 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,526 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,652 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,170 | $124,835 | 0.94% | C |
| 3BR | $1,550 | $183,868 | 0.84% | C |
| 4BR | $1,800 | $207,618 | 0.87% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 15531, located in Boswell, PA, presents a modest opportunity for landlords interested in Section 8 tenants. With a total population of 3,603, only 19.6% of residents are renters, indicating that the area is primarily dominated by homeowners rather than renters. This suggests that the demand for rental properties, particularly those accepting Section 8 vouchers, is not as high as it might be in areas with a larger percentage of renters.
The median household income in Boswell, PA is $60,855. The average market rent stands at $643, which means that typical rent consumes about 12.7% of the median household income. This is calculated by dividing the market rent ($643) by the median household income ($60,855), then multiplying by 100 to get the percentage. In comparison, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $860 for FY 2024, reflecting a higher benchmark for rental costs.
The discrepancy between the actual market rent and the FMR indicates that there could be some flexibility in rent pricing for landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers. However, the relatively low percentage of renters suggests that landlords might not see a large influx of Section 8 applicants. Instead, they should expect a smaller but steady pool of tenants who rely on government assistance to cover their housing expenses.
To summarize, while ZIP 15531 offers some potential for landlords looking to accommodate Section 8 tenants, the limited number of renters in the area means that the competition for these vouchers will likely be less intense compared to more renter-heavy ZIP codes. Landlords should prepare for a tenant profile that includes individuals and families who need financial aid to afford housing, with rents that are below the FMR but still significant relative to the median income.
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.