Location: Somerset County, PA | Metro: Somerset County, PA
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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,821 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,203 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,350 | $215,048 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 15538 represents an area that is neither heavily dominated by homeowners nor renters, with only 22.0% of the population renting. This indicates that the demand for Section 8 vouchers is likely to be moderate rather than high. Given the median household income of $75,833, we can infer that the cost of living, including rent, is relatively affordable compared to other areas.
To understand the impact of rental costs on the local income, we need to compare typical market rents with the median income. However, the specific market rent figures for ZIP 15538 are not provided. Instead, we can use the Fair Market Rent (FMR) as a benchmark. The FMR for the area is set at $970 per month for fiscal year 2026, which is reflective of the metro region's average.
Considering the median income, a monthly rent of $970 consumes approximately 13% of the average household's income. This is calculated by taking the annual median income ($75,833) and dividing it by 12 months, then comparing that to the FMR. Such a low percentage suggests that the majority of residents could afford higher rents without financial strain, but it also implies that those relying on Section 8 vouchers might find it challenging to secure housing above the FMR.
The typical Section 8 tenant in ZIP 15538 will have a limited budget for rent, constrained by the voucher amount. Landlords should expect tenants who are financially disciplined and often prioritize stable housing. These tenants may include families, individuals with disabilities, or seniors who rely on government assistance to meet their housing needs. While the rental market is not dominated by voucher holders, there is still a segment of the population that relies on such support, making properties that accept Section 8 vouchers attractive to a particular subset of potential tenants.
In conclusion, ZIP 15538 is not a renter-heavy area with deep voucher demand, but it does present opportunities for landlords willing to work with Section 8 tenants. The typical rent eats a modest portion of the local income, suggesting that while not abundant, Section 8 vouchers do play a role in the housing market. Landlords should prepare for a mix of tenants, some of whom may require additional support in managing their finances and maintaining their homes.
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.