Location: Somerset County, PA | Metro: Bedford 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 | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,310 | $177,722 | 0.74% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP code 15545 hinges on the interplay between rental yield and market stability. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $990 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 and a market rent of $708, the potential rental yield is relatively low compared to the average home value of $149,695. This suggests that properties in this ZIP code might not be optimal for high-yield investments, which typically seek to maximize short-term profits through aggressive pricing strategies.
On the stability axis, the ZIP code presents a mixed picture. The proportion of renters stands at 19.2%, indicating a moderate level of demand for rental housing. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) makes it challenging to assess how quickly rental properties can be filled or how competitive the market is. The median household income of $56,757 provides a baseline for understanding the economic capacity of the residents to afford housing, but without further context on regional cost of living, this figure alone does not fully capture the market's financial health.
Given these metrics, ZIP 15545 leans towards being a steady-cashflow zone rather than a high-yield/low-stability market. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should expect modest returns driven by stable occupancy rates rather than high rental premiums. The lower market rent of $708 compared to the FMR of $990 implies that there is room for price adjustment without alienating tenants, but the yields will not be exceptionally high due to the higher home values.
To summarize, the key figures driving this assessment are the FMR of $990, the market rent of $708, and the median home value of $149,695. These suggest a market where consistent cash flow is more likely than high-yield returns, making it suitable for investors looking for reliability over rapid profit generation.
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.