Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 15697 - 2027

Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Metro: Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro FMR Area

Investment Score for ZIP 15697

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,080

Median Price (2BR)

$137,030

1% Rule

0.79%

Annual Yield

9.46%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$840
1 Bedroom	$890
2 Bedrooms	$1,080
3 Bedrooms	$1,380
4 Bedrooms	$1,500
5 Bedrooms	$1,740
6 Bedrooms	$1,949
7 Bedrooms	$2,105
8 Bedrooms	$2,210

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,080	$137,030	0.79%	D
3BR	$1,380	$183,039	0.75%	D

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

2,877

Median Household Income

$64,961

Housing Units

1,527

Renter Percentage

33.9%

Occupancy Rate

88.2%

Renter Occupied

456

The ZIP code 15697, located in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, offers a stable real estate market with opportunities for both landlords and small-portfolio investors. Nestled in Westmoreland County, this suburban area provides affordable housing options close to urban centers, making it attractive for renters and homeowners alike.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 15697 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $940, indicating a moderate rental price range that is likely to attract tenants looking for affordable housing.
The average market rent, according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS), is $849, which suggests that the rental market is slightly below the FMR, providing a competitive landscape for landlords.
The median home value in Youngwood is $140,166, offering a relatively low barrier to entry for property investors interested in purchasing homes in the area.
Renters make up 33.9% of the population, showing a significant demand for rental properties and a balanced mix between homeowners and renters.
The median household income is $64,961, reflecting a middle-class community with sufficient income to support rental payments but also indicating potential affordability challenges for some tenants.
The Days on Market (DOM) data is not available, which could suggest either a robust sales market or a lack of recent transactions, leaving room for further investigation.

Investors considering the Youngwood, PA market should recognize the opportunity to capitalize on the strong rental demand while maintaining competitive pricing. The gap between the FMR and actual market rents presents a chance to adjust pricing strategies for maximum occupancy. With a median home value that remains affordable, acquiring properties can be a cost-effective strategy. However, the income level suggests that pricing must remain reasonable to avoid tenant turnover. Overall, the area's stability and balance between renters and homeowners make it a solid choice for real estate investment, particularly for those focused on rental income.

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.