Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Mercer County, Pennsylvania
Mercer County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,028 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $843 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.77 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,028
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 33% less than in Pennsylvania
- Typical rent
- $843
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 30% less than in Pennsylvania
- Wage needed
- $19.77
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $41,120 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 46%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% less than in Pennsylvania
Only here
Renting in Mercer County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Mercer County has the 7th lowest typical household income of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania ($59,976).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Mercer County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Mercer County was $979 a month in September 2026: 6.1% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $716 | $13.77 | $28,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $810 | $15.58 | $32,400 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,028 | $19.77 | $41,120 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,423 | $27.37 | $56,920 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,615 | $31.06 | $64,600 |
HUD area: Mercer County, PA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 28 ZIP codes in Mercer County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 16113 to $1,170 in 16133. 14 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,028).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 16113 | Mercer County, PA | $760 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,600 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16114 | Mercer County, PA | $720 | $820 | $1,040 | $1,430 | $1,620 |
| 16121 | Mercer County, PA | $760 | $860 | $1,090 | $1,510 | $1,710 |
| 16124 | Mercer County, PA | $710 | $800 | $1,020 | $1,410 | $1,600 |
| 16125 | Crawford County, PA | $710 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,600 |
| 16125 | Mercer County, PA | $710 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,600 |
| 16127 | Lawrence County, PA | $730 | $830 | $1,050 | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| 16127 | Mercer County, PA | $730 | $830 | $1,050 | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| 16127 | Pittsburgh, PA | $730 | $830 | $1,050 | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| 16127 | Venango County, PA | $730 | $830 | $1,050 | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| 16130 | Mercer County, PA | $730 | $830 | $1,050 | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| 16133 | Mercer County, PA | $810 | $920 | $1,170 | $1,620 | $1,840 |
| 16137 | Mercer County, PA | $710 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,600 |
| 16142 | Lawrence County, PA | $710 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,580 |
| 16142 | Mercer County, PA | $710 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,580 |
| 16145 | Mercer County, PA | $710 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,600 |
| 16146 | Mercer County, PA | $730 | $830 | $1,050 | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| 16148 | Mercer County, PA | $750 | $850 | $1,080 | $1,500 | $1,700 |
| 16150 | Mercer County, PA | $710 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,600 |
| 16151 | Mercer County, PA | $730 | $830 | $1,050 | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| 16153 | Mercer County, PA | $720 | $810 | $1,030 | $1,420 | $1,610 |
| 16153 | Venango County, PA | $720 | $810 | $1,030 | $1,420 | $1,610 |
| 16154 | Mercer County, PA | $710 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,600 |
| 16159 | Lawrence County, PA | $710 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,600 |
| 16159 | Mercer County, PA | $710 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,410 | $1,600 |
| 16161 | Mercer County, PA | $740 | $830 | $1,060 | $1,470 | $1,670 |
| 16311 | Mercer County, PA | $740 | $820 | $1,010 | $1,380 | $1,540 |
| 16311 | Venango County, PA | $740 | $820 | $1,010 | $1,380 | $1,540 |
- 16113 · Mercer County, PA $1,010$1,410
- 16114 · Mercer County, PA $1,040$1,430
- 16121 · Mercer County, PA $1,090$1,510
- 16124 · Mercer County, PA $1,020$1,410
- 16125 · Crawford County, PA $1,010$1,410
- 16125 · Mercer County, PA $1,010$1,410
- 16127 · Lawrence County, PA $1,050$1,450
- 16127 · Mercer County, PA $1,050$1,450
- 16127 · Pittsburgh, PA $1,050$1,450
- 16127 · Venango County, PA $1,050$1,450
- 16130 · Mercer County, PA $1,050$1,450
- 16133 · Mercer County, PA $1,170$1,620
- 16137 · Mercer County, PA $1,010$1,410
- 16142 · Lawrence County, PA $1,010$1,410
- 16142 · Mercer County, PA $1,010$1,410
- 16145 · Mercer County, PA $1,010$1,410
- 16146 · Mercer County, PA $1,050$1,450
- 16148 · Mercer County, PA $1,080$1,500
- 16150 · Mercer County, PA $1,010$1,410
- 16151 · Mercer County, PA $1,050$1,450
- 16153 · Mercer County, PA $1,030$1,420
- 16153 · Venango County, PA $1,030$1,420
- 16154 · Mercer County, PA $1,010$1,410
- 16159 · Lawrence County, PA $1,010$1,410
- 16159 · Mercer County, PA $1,010$1,410
- 16161 · Mercer County, PA $1,060$1,470
- 16311 · Mercer County, PA $1,010$1,380
- 16311 · Venango County, PA $1,010$1,380
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Mercer County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
46%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
12,845 households rent in Mercer County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 54%
Compared with the state and the country
- Mercer 46%
- Pennsylvania 48%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Mercer County
HUD lists 41 properties with homes for low-income households in Mercer County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 17
- HUD-assisted
- 27
- public housing
- 1
2,888 homes in all; 2,411 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Vermeire Manor HUD-assisted 127-139 Roy C. Pearell Dr, Sharon 16146 536 low-income homes · For families · (724) 342-4009
- Shenango Park Apts. HUD-assisted 1400 Bolde Dr, Hermitage 16148 200 homes, 149 low-income · For families · (724) 981-4900
- Connelly Manor HUD-assisted 55 W Connelly Blvd, Sharon 16146 125 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 342-5211
- Riverview Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 15 W Connelly Blvd, Sharon 16146 123 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 981-8448
- Tishco College View Towers Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 301 S Broad St, Grove City 16127 103 homes, 102 low-income · 1 bd: 103 · In service since 2016 · For older adults · (724) 458-5633
- Wade D. Mertz Towers HUD-assisted 52 S Mercer Ave, Sharpsville 16150 103 homes, 102 low-income · For older adults · (724) 962-4970
- Reynolds West Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 325 12th St, Greenville 16125 101 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 74 · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 2016 · For families · (724) 646-1450
- Greenville House HUD-assisted 9 Penn Ave, Greenville 16125 101 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (724) 588-1776
- Willow Village HUD-assisted 168 W Budd St, Sharon 16146 100 low-income homes · For families · (724) 981-8201
- Orange Village Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 200 Orange Dr, Hermitage 16148 82 homes, 81 low-income · For families · (724) 346-4096
- Orange Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) Scattered Sites, Hermitage 16148 82 homes, 80 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 47 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2014 · For families
- Fellowship Manor HUD-assisted 19 Orchard Dr, Grove City 16127 75 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 458-8116
- Lavigne Manor HUD-assisted 33 Cathedral Dr, Farrell 16121 75 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 342-4000
- Steel City Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 421 Highland St, Farrell 16121 53 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 4 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Lakeview Manor HUD-assisted 25 Lake St, Stoneboro 16153 50 homes, 49 low-income · For older adults · (724) 376-2273
- Buchanan Manor HUD-assisted 73 Mercer Ave, Wheatland 16161 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 342-2181
- Centennial Place Phase I HUD-assisted 102 Wallis Ave, Farrell 16121 40 low-income homes · For families · (724) 704-7219
- Hermitage Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1741 Village Path, Hermitage 16148 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Quaker Meadow Tax credit (LIHTC) 378 Quaker Cir, Hermitage 16148 40 low-income homes · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 20 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Pine Hollow Public housing 313 E Connelly Blvd, Sharon 16146 38 low-income homes · Run by Mercer County Housing Authority · Average payment: $318 a month · Average wait: 12 months · (724) 342-4000
- Garden Way Apts. HUD-assisted 2350 Garden Way, Hermitage 16148 36 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 342-7791
- Landay/Patterson HUD-assisted 806 Hamilton Ave, Farrell 16121 36 low-income homes · For families · (724) 342-4010
- Liberty Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 10 Enclave Dr, Grove City 16127 35 low-income homes · 3 bd: 26 · 4 bd: 9 · In service since 2014 · For people with disabilities, families
- Centennial Place Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 Fruit Ave, Farrell 16121 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 5 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Centennial Place Phase II HUD-assisted 102 Wallis Ave, Farrell 16121 34 low-income homes · For families · (724) 704-7219
- Legacy Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 621 Kishon St, Farrell 16121 29 low-income homes · 2 bd: 17 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Pine Tree Village HUD-assisted 2861 Mercer West Middlesex Rd, West Middlesex 16159 128 homes, 27 low-income · For families · (724) 528-1717
- Lutheran Village/Jamestown HUD-assisted 500 Railroad St, Jamestown 16134 27 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 932-2600
- Hempfield South Apts. HUD-assisted 94 Hadley Rd, Greenville 16125 25 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 588-4176
- Hempfield Senior Apts HUD-assisted 92 Hadley Rd, Greenville 16125 23 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 588-0137
- Tushim Manor Apts. HUD-assisted 20 Coolspring St, Mercer 16137 23 low-income homes · For older adults · (724) 748-4537
- Independence Park HUD-assisted 613 Spearman Ave, Farrell 16121 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (724) 342-6295
- Heritage Square II Tax credit (LIHTC) 348 W Butler St, Mercer 16137 10 homes, 8 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Arlington Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 835 Arlington Dr, Greenville 16125 42 homes, 6 low-income · (724) 646-3105
- Brandy Spring Apts HUD-assisted 300 Brandy Spring Drive, Mercer 16137 35 homes, 5 low-income · (724) 662-2133
- Fairfield Apts. HUD-assisted 22 Trees Lane Rd, Mercer 16137 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (724) 981-2950
- Willow Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 174 W Budd St, Sharon 16146 99 homes
- Arlington Manor Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 801 Arlington Dr, Greenville 16125 48 homes
- Farrell Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 411 Roemer Blvd, Farrell 16121 44 homes
- William A Gargano Towers Tax credit (LIHTC) 941 Sharon New Castle Rd, Farrell 16121 36 homes
- Geraldine Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 521 Delaware St, Fredonia 16124 23 homes
4 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Mercer County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Mercer County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $18,100 | $30,200 | $48,300 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $34,500 | $55,200 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $38,800 | $62,100 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $43,100 | $68,950 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $46,550 | $74,500 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $50,000 | $80,000 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $53,450 | $85,500 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $56,900 | $91,050 |
Area median income: $83,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Mercer County, PA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $644 – $788
- 1 bedroom $729 – $891
- 2 bedrooms $925 – $1,131
- 3 bedrooms $1,281 – $1,565
- 4 bedrooms $1,454 – $1,777
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Mercer County Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 402 vouchers · 38 public housing units (724) 342-4000 Mercer County Housing Authority: h.campbell@mchousing.net
Housing agencies in Pennsylvania Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Pennsylvania
What Pennsylvania law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- 68 P.S. §250.511a(a)-(b)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- 68 P.S. §250.512(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 10 days
- 68 P.S. §250.501(b)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 15 days
- 68 P.S. §250.501(b)
- Only a court order can remove you68 P.S. §250.501 et seq.; 68 P.S. §399.1 et seq.
Help
Where to get help with rent in Mercer County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Mercer County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Community Action Partnership of Mercer County
215 S Water Ave, Sharon
- Budget and financial counseling
- Homelessness services
- and 2 more
-
Shenango Valley Urban League
601 Indiana Ave, Farrell
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Homelessness services
- and 2 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Mercer County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
-
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Run by Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
Pennsylvania yearly rebate for owners and renters 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older, based on income
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Mercer County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Pennsylvania, the average home bill was $145 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,056
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,028
- Security deposit
- $1,028
- Total
- $2,056
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Mercer County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $716; 1 bedroom: $810; 2 bedrooms: $1,028; 3 bedrooms: $1,423; 4 bedrooms: $1,615. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Mercer County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,028) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.77 an hour full time, or $41,120 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Mercer County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $43,100 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Mercer County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $925 and $1,131 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Mercer County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 16113 to $1,170 in 16133. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Mercer County?
HUD lists 41 properties with homes for low-income households in Mercer County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Mercer County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Mercer County, 46% of renter households are in that position; in Pennsylvania, 48%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).