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 | $980 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,760 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,042 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,287 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,470 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,594 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,270 | $159,032 | 0.8% | D |
| 3BR | $1,620 | $242,080 | 0.67% | D |
| 4BR | $1,760 | $311,629 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 16115, located in Darlington, PA, falls within the larger Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro Fair Market Rent (FMR) Area. Comparatively, the FMR of $910 for ZIP 16115 in fiscal year 2024 is notably lower than the typical FMR for the broader Pittsburgh area. The market rent figure of $1,017 also suggests that rental properties here are priced below average for the region.
The median home value in Darlington stands at $210,332, which is likely below the median for the entire Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro FMR Area. This indicates that property owners in ZIP 16115 might be able to acquire properties at a relatively lower cost compared to other areas within the metro. Additionally, the renter share of 12.0% is slightly above the national average but not significantly so, suggesting a modest demand for rental properties.
Given the lower FMR and market rent figures, combined with the below-average median home value, ZIP 16115 can be classified as a value pocket within the Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro FMR Area. Value pockets typically offer lower costs for both renters and property owners, making them attractive for landlords looking to maximize their investment returns without competing in higher-cost segments of the market.
A key indicator of potential attractiveness for Section 8 participants is the divergence between the FMR and market rent, where the FMR is significantly lower than the market rent. In ZIP 16115, the gap between the FMR ($910) and the market rent ($1,017) is substantial, which could signal an opportunity for landlords who are willing to accept Section 8 vouchers. However, the renter share being only 12.0% suggests that while there is some demand for rentals, it is not exceptionally high relative to other neighborhoods within the metro.
In summary, ZIP 16115 presents itself as a value pocket within the Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro FMR Area, offering lower costs for both renters and landlords. While the FMR is substantially lower than the market rent, indicating potential for Section 8 participation, the relatively low renter share means that the demand for rental properties may not be as high as in other areas. Landlords should consider the local dynamics carefully when deciding on Section 8 participation in this ZIP code.
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.