Location: Lawrence County, PA | Metro: Lawrence County, 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,821 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,203 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $121,127 | 0.83% | C |
| 3BR | $1,410 | $152,877 | 0.92% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 16160, located in West Pittsburgh, PA, has a population of 909 individuals. With 41.9% of residents being renters, it signifies a moderate renter-heavy environment. However, the depth of voucher demand cannot be definitively assessed without specific data on the number of Section 8 vouchers available in the area. The median household income stands at $44,510, which is a critical figure when analyzing the affordability of housing.
The market rent for the area is $797, representing a significant portion of the median income. To put this into perspective, the typical rent consumes approximately 18% of the local median income, calculated as $797 divided by $44,510, multiplied by 100. This percentage suggests that rent is a substantial expense for many households, especially those relying on financial assistance.
Comparatively, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area is set at $970 for fiscal year 2026. This indicates that the market rent in ZIP 16160 is below the FMR, suggesting that rental properties here might be more affordable for tenants who receive housing assistance. However, landlords must be aware that the FMR is used as a benchmark for determining payment standards for housing assistance programs, meaning that the actual rents charged to voucher holders could be closer to the FMR rather than the current market rent.
A landlord in this ZIP code should anticipate tenants who heavily rely on Section 8 vouchers to manage their housing costs. These tenants will likely have a lower income bracket and seek out affordable housing options. Given the median income and the market rent, it's reasonable to expect a tenant pool that prioritizes cost-effective living arrangements over luxury amenities. Landlords should prepare for a steady demand from voucher holders but also be mindful of the potential challenges associated with managing properties under the Section 8 program, such as stricter maintenance standards and periodic inspections.
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.