Location: Defiance County, OH | Metro: Defiance County, OH
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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,200 | $215,203 | 0.56% | F |
| 4BR | $1,490 | $222,514 | 0.67% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 43549 are defined by the $970 SAFMR (Standard Amount for Moderate Rehabilitation) for a two-bedroom unit during fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that the government will pay for rental assistance in this specific ZIP code. In comparison, the local market rent for a similar unit is recorded at $895 according to Census ACS data.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program should understand the components of the voucher payment. The total reimbursement includes the tenant's portion of the rent plus any utility allowances. Typically, the tenant contributes approximately 30% of their income towards rent. For a two-bedroom unit, if the tenant's income is such that they can afford $291 (30% of $970), then the government would cover the remaining balance up to the SAFMR limit.
In ZIP 43549, landlords should also consider utility allowances when calculating their net income. These allowances vary but generally provide an additional stipend to cover electricity, water, and other utilities. Assuming a utility allowance of around $150 per month, the total reimbursement for a landlord would be the sum of the tenant's contribution and the utility allowance.
To illustrate, if the tenant contributes $291 and receives a utility allowance of $150, the total monthly reimbursement would be $441. Therefore, the government would pay the difference between the total reimbursement and the tenant's share, which in this case is $529 ($970 - $441).
This reimbursement structure creates a potential surplus for landlords in ZIP 43549, given that the market rent is lower than the SAFMR. Specifically, the surplus for a two-bedroom unit would be $75 per month ($970 SAFMR - $895 market rent). However, it's important to note that the actual surplus or gap can fluctuate based on the tenant's income level and the exact utility allowances provided.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 43549 can expect a stable income from Section 8 vouchers, with the government ensuring payments up to $970 for a two-bedroom unit. Given the local market conditions, this typically results in a surplus, making Section 8 participation a financially viable option for landlords.
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.