Location: Pittsburgh, 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 | $1,320 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,410 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,180 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,749 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,325 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,491 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,710 | $250,726 | 0.68% | D |
| 3BR | $2,180 | $325,168 | 0.67% | D |
| 4BR | $2,370 | $454,517 | 0.52% | F |
| 5BR | $2,749 | $621,413 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 15668, located in Murrysville, PA, reveals a favorable environment for cashflow generation. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,630 for FY 2024, significantly exceeds the average market rent of $1,304 as reported by the Census ACS. This indicates that voucher tenants can provide a strong positive cashflow, as they pay the higher HUD rate rather than the prevailing market rate.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $348,033. Using this figure, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.047, suggesting that rental income represents about 4.7% of the property's value. This ratio is indicative of a balanced market where rental properties are likely to be competitive with homeownership options, especially given the N/A-day median days on market (DOM) and a 0.2% price-cut share, which imply stable housing market conditions.
In conclusion, the strongest investor angle in ZIP 15668 is cashflow, driven by the disparity between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent, coupled with a reasonable rent-to-price ratio that supports both rental and ownership interests. This makes the area particularly attractive for those seeking steady, reliable returns through Section 8 tenancy.
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.