Location: Harrison County, OH | Metro: Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH MSA
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 | $1,150 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,160 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,950 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,260 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,622 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,937 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,172 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,331 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,510 | $135,196 | 1.12% | B |
| 3BR | $1,950 | $204,789 | 0.95% | C |
| 4BR | $2,260 | $263,782 | 0.86% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 43910, Bloomingdale, OH, in fiscal year 2024 is set at $940. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for a Section 8 rental unit. It's important to note that this is not the actual rent you will receive, but rather a guideline that ensures the rent is reasonable compared to other rental properties in the area.
In Bloomingdale, the FMR is established to cover the cost of renting a modest home, which is why it's set at $940. The renter share, which is the portion of the rent that the tenant pays out-of-pocket, is calculated at 30% of their income. In this case, the average renter share is 14.7%, meaning the tenant would pay approximately $138 per month towards rent, with the remainder subsidized by the government. This leaves you with a guaranteed income of about $802 per month, assuming the tenant's income qualifies and they make timely payments.
The median home value in Bloomingdale is around $182,089. This indicates that purchasing a property in this area could be considered an investment with potential long-term returns. However, the initial cost of acquiring a rental property should be weighed against the monthly income you'll generate through Section 8. With an FMR of $940, your annual income would be approximately $9,624, before expenses such as maintenance and utilities.
To determine if Section 8 is right for your first rental in Bloomingdale, you must verify that your property meets the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the rental unit is safe, decent, and sanitary. A thorough inspection is required to confirm compliance. Once verified, you can confidently proceed with the Section 8 program, knowing that you're providing a suitable living environment while securing a reliable source of income.
While the FMR of $940 might seem low, it's designed to reflect the average market rent in the area. By participating in Section 8, you're aligning your rental price with the local market, ensuring that you're not overcharging tenants and that your property remains competitive. This also helps in maintaining a steady occupancy rate, given the strong demand for affordable housing in the area.
Remember, the key to success in Section 8 rentals is not just the initial acquisition cost or the FMR, but also the ongoing management and maintenance of the property. Ensure that you have a solid understanding of these responsibilities before you decide to join the 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.