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 | $840 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,798 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,175 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,284 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $910 | $213,892 | 0.43% | F |
| 2BR | $1,090 | $301,919 | 0.36% | F |
| 3BR | $1,410 | $411,632 | 0.34% | F |
| 4BR | $1,550 | $475,296 | 0.33% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Skeptical investors looking into ZIP 15622, located in Champion, Pennsylvania, often raise several key concerns regarding the feasibility of investing in the area through the Section 8 program. Let's address these points directly using the available data.
Will FMR $960 (zip FY 2024) cover the mortgage on a $344,312 home?
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 15622 is set at $960 for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the average monthly rent that a tenant would pay under the Section 8 program. To determine if this amount can cover a mortgage, we need to calculate the monthly mortgage payment based on typical lending terms. Assuming a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at an interest rate of 5%, the monthly principal and interest payment on a $344,312 home would be approximately $1,875. The FMR of $960 falls short of covering the mortgage, indicating that landlords would need to supplement the difference from other sources or rely on higher rents outside the Section 8 program.
Is there enough renter demand at 19.3%?
The percentage of renters in ZIP 15622 is 19.3%. This figure suggests that while there is some rental demand, it is relatively low compared to areas with higher percentages of renters. However, it is important to consider the total number of households when evaluating demand. With 19.3% of the population renting, the actual number of potential tenants must be analyzed alongside the vacancy rates and local economic conditions to gauge the overall rental market health. The data does not provide the total number of households, so a complete assessment requires additional research.
Will vouchers keep pace with $1,010 market rents?
The current market rent in ZIP 15622 is $1,010 per month. Given that the FMR is $960, landlords might wonder if voucher amounts will adjust to meet the higher market rents. Historically, voucher amounts have increased incrementally to align with market conditions, but the exact timing and extent of such adjustments are not guaranteed. Therefore, while the trend is positive, it remains uncertain whether vouchers will fully match the $1,010 market rent in the near future. Landlords should monitor local housing authority announcements and federal guidelines closely to stay informed on any changes to voucher policies.
In conclusion, while the data provides a snapshot of the rental market in ZIP 15622, it highlights challenges such as insufficient FMR coverage for mortgages and moderate renter demand. Voucher alignment with market rents is also a concern that requires ongoing attention. These factors should be carefully considered before making investment decisions.
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.