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 | $950 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,972 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,505 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,230 | $105,915 | 1.16% | B |
| 3BR | $1,570 | $123,840 | 1.27% | A |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP code 16136, located in Koppel, PA, reveals a market that offers a balance between yield and stability. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 is set at $870, which is notably below the market rent of $900. This suggests a modest opportunity for rental income above the FMR, but it is not a high-yield environment.
With a median home value of $110,986, the area presents an affordable entry point for investment properties. However, the yield potential is constrained by the lower-than-market FMR, indicating that while rental income can be earned, it will not significantly exceed the FMR rate.
The stability of the market is reflected in the rental composition and household income levels. Approximately 20.7% of residents are renters, which is a relatively low percentage. This indicates a smaller pool of potential tenants, which could lead to higher vacancy rates and less stable cash flow compared to areas with a larger proportion of renters. Additionally, the lack of data on the average number of days on the market (DOM) makes it difficult to assess how quickly properties might be rented out.
The median household income in the area is $73,750, which provides some insight into the financial capacity of potential tenants. While this figure is not exceptionally high, it does suggest that there is a reasonable ability among residents to pay rent, contributing to the stability of the rental market.
Based on these figures, ZIP 16136 is best classified as a steady-cashflow zone rather than a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market. The modest gap between FMR and market rent, combined with the relatively low percentage of renters, points towards a market where quick flips for profit are less likely to succeed. Instead, the focus should be on long-term investments with reliable, if not spectacular, returns.
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.