Location: Williams County, OH | Metro: Williams 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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,531 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,715 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,852 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,945 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $142,767 | 0.7% | D |
| 3BR | $1,290 | $197,076 | 0.65% | D |
| 4BR | $1,320 | $204,660 | 0.64% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 43554, located in Pioneer, OH, presents an interesting scenario when viewed from the perspective of renters. The median income here stands at $52,917, which places significant constraints on the average household's ability to pay rent. At the market rate of $694 per month, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), a substantial portion of the monthly income—approximately 17 percent—is allocated towards rent alone. This figure does not account for other living expenses, indicating a tight budget for most residents.
In contrast, the federal payment standard for housing vouchers in the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $970. This amount represents a higher cost for landlords compared to the market rate, but it ensures a more stable and consistent income stream. It also means that voucher holders have the potential to afford more expensive units, thus broadening their housing options beyond the typical market-rate rentals.
Pioneer has a rental market where 33.0% of the 2,037 residents are renters. Given the affordability gap between the median income and the market rent, there is likely strong competition among landlords to attract tenants who can consistently pay the market rate. For those relying solely on cash-paying tenants, finding individuals who can meet the $694 monthly rent while managing other financial obligations could be challenging.
The takeaway for landlords considering whether to accept voucher payments versus focusing on cash-paying tenants is clear: while accepting vouchers means dealing with slightly more bureaucratic processes, it provides a more reliable source of income at a higher rate ($970). In a market where the median income struggles to cover even the lower market rate ($694), the stability and higher payment of vouchers make them an attractive option. Landlords should weigh the benefits of increased tenant reliability and higher rent against the administrative requirements of participating in the voucher program.
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.