Location: Lawrence 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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $219,235 | 0.46% | F |
| 3BR | $1,360 | $290,156 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $1,490 | $403,671 | 0.37% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Portersville, PA, located in Allegheny County, is a small town with a population under 1,000 residents. The area offers a quiet living environment with access to nearby amenities and attractions in larger cities like Pittsburgh. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, understanding the local rental market dynamics is crucial for making informed decisions.
Investors looking to enter the Portersville rental market should consider the relatively high median income alongside the slightly above-average market rents compared to the FMR. With a median home value of $266,453, the cost of entry into the real estate market can be assessed against the potential rental income. Although the percentage of renters is low at 7.8%, the strong median income suggests that tenants could be financially stable. However, without DOM data, it's difficult to gauge the speed at which rental units are filled, which is a critical factor for cash flow management. Overall, Portersville presents a moderate opportunity for rental investment, with a focus on ensuring properties are priced competitively and attract financially secure tenants.
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.