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 | $740 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $132,142 | 0.76% | D |
| 3BR | $1,370 | $205,124 | 0.67% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
New Galilee, PA (ZIP 16141) is positioned within the Lawrence County, PA HUD Metro FMR Area. Its Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $990, which is higher than the market rent figure of $700. This suggests that the rental market in New Galilee is currently undervalued relative to the HUD's assessment, potentially making it an attractive area for landlords looking to capitalize on future increases in rental demand.
The median home value in ZIP 16141 is $184,024, which is lower than the typical home values in other ZIP codes within Lawrence County. This indicates that while the cost of living might be relatively affordable, the property values are also less than what might be found in other areas of the county. The 11.2% renter share is another key statistic, showing a moderate level of renters compared to homeowners. This is important for landlords and small-portfolio investors as it reflects the demand for rental properties in the area.
When comparing ZIP 16141 to typical ZIP codes within the Lawrence County, PA HUD Metro FMR Area, it appears to be a value pocket. The combination of a below-metro median home value and a higher FMR suggests that the area could benefit from government assistance programs such as Section 8. The higher FMR compared to the actual market rent indicates potential for rental income growth, especially if the market adjusts to align with HUD's assessment.
The divergence between the FMR and the market rent, coupled with the below-average home value, points towards a scenario where New Galilee could attract more low-income renters seeking subsidized housing. This makes it a prime candidate for Section 8 tenants, who would likely find the rent-to-home-value ratio favorable. For landlords, this means that there is a significant opportunity to offer affordable housing units that qualify for federal subsidies, thereby ensuring stable rental income.
Investors should consider these factors when evaluating the potential returns and risks associated with investing in New Galilee. The area's characteristics make it a valuable addition to a diversified portfolio, particularly for those interested in properties that can serve the needs of low-income families through Section 8 participation.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.