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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has 215 affordable and income-based rental properties offering 13,420 units across the city. With a median market rent of $1,261 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), income-based housing can offer meaningful savings for renters who qualify. The majority of scored properties rated excellent or good, making Pittsburgh one of the stronger cities for affordable housing quality in the region.

215
Properties
13,420
Total units
87/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,261/mo

Affordability

Pittsburgh has a median household income of $65,742 and a median asking rent of $1,261 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). With 52% of residents renting, the city has a large renter population, and the 122 HUD-assisted and income-based properties tracked on Lease Lantern -- totaling 9,335 units -- represent an important resource for households seeking below-market housing.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
436 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police reported a violent crime rate of 436 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Keep in mind that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in how agencies classify and report offenses.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 83 · Very Walkable

Getting Around Pittsburgh

The area around Pittsburgh's assisted properties scores well for walkability, transit, and biking, according to Walk Score. Note that scores reflect conditions near the assisted properties specifically, not the city as a whole.

  • Walk Score: 83 - Very Walkable -- most errands can be accomplished on foot.
  • Transit Score: 71 - Excellent Transit -- transit is convenient for most trips.
  • Bike Score: 67 -- bikeable with some infrastructure in place.
Walk Score
🎓 Schools
146 schools · 38 districts

Schools

Pittsburgh is served by 146 schools across 38 districts, including 89 elementary, 25 middle, and 32 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$65,742 median income

Cost of Renting in Pittsburgh, PA

The median household income in Pittsburgh is $65,742 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The median monthly rent across the city is $1,261, also per Census ACS 5-Year estimates.

For renters who qualify, Pittsburgh's 122 HUD-assisted and income-based properties offer rent that is tied to your income rather than market rates, which can mean significant savings compared to that citywide median.

  • Median household income: $65,742/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,261/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Share of households that rent: 52% (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Income-based units available: 9,335 across 122 properties

With more than half of Pittsburgh households renting, affordable housing options here serve a large share of the community. Income-based rents are calculated as a percentage of your household income, so your actual cost will depend on your eligibility and the program type.

Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 122 HUD-assisted properties in Pittsburgh were mapped for flood risk, and none fall in a high-risk flood zone according to that data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 87/100(120 of 215 scored)
90+ (72)70–89 (39)60–69 (1)<60 (8)No score (95)

215 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 215 affordable apartments in Pittsburgh→

Other cities in PA

› Affordable housing in Aliquippa› Allentown income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Altoona› Bethlehem affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Butler› Affordable housing in Erie› Greensburg income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Harrisburg› Lancaster affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Mckeesport› Affordable housing in Meadville› New Castle income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in PA› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

About Affordable Housing in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh is a majority-renter city, with 52 percent of households renting according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimates. The city's 122 HUD-assisted and income-based properties account for 9,335 units, giving renters a wide range of assisted housing options across the city.

Of the 120 properties with inspection scores on record, 72 earned an excellent rating and 39 earned a good rating, reflecting a strong overall track record of property upkeep in Pittsburgh's assisted housing stock. None of the 122 mapped properties fall within a high-risk flood zone, according to HUD-assisted property data.

The median asking rent in Pittsburgh is $1,261 per month and the median household income is $65,742 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. For renters who qualify for income-based housing, the savings compared to market-rate rents can be significant.

Getting around without a car is practical here. Pittsburgh scores 83 (Very Walkable) and 71 (Excellent Transit) according to Walk Score, making it easier for residents without a vehicle to access work, services, and daily needs.

Pittsburgh's school landscape includes 146 public schools across 38 districts, covering 89 elementary, 25 middle, and 32 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Eligibility & how to apply

Pennsylvania income limits (2026)Pennsylvania public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Pennsylvania

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →