Location: Indiana County, PA | Metro: Indiana County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,110 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,937 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,343 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In evaluating whether to purchase a property in ZIP code 15739 for Section 8 purposes, follow this decision tree:
Step 1: Debt Service Coverage Ratio
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is $1,080. To determine if this amount clears debt service on a property valued at $81,372, calculate the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR). If the DSCR is greater than 1, then the FMR can cover the debt service. In ZIP 15739, the FMR does not sufficiently cover the debt service on a property of that value, indicating a No to the first question.
Step 2: Market Rent Comparison
The market rent in ZIP 15739, according to Census ACS data, is $906. Compare this figure to the FMR of $1,080. Since the market rent is below the FMR, it suggests that landlords might face challenges renting out properties solely based on market rates without the subsidy. This comparison leads to an It Depends scenario, where the subsidy becomes crucial for covering the difference between market rent and FMR.
Step 3: Rental Demand Assessment
ZIP 15739 has a rental rate of 29.8%, which indicates a moderate level of demand for rental properties. However, the data does not provide a clear indication of the average number of days on the market (DOM) for rental listings. Without this information, it's challenging to assess the speed at which properties are rented out. Given the available data, the answer to this step is It Depends.
Decision Path Summary:
To conclude, purchasing a property in ZIP 15739 for Section 8 use is contingent upon the effectiveness of the subsidy in covering the gap between market rent and FMR, as well as the actual speed of leasing properties. Landlords must consider these factors carefully before making a decision.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.