Location: Monroe County, OH | Metro: Wheeling, 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 | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $91,914 | 1.09% | B |
| 3BR | $1,290 | $143,665 | 0.9% | C |
| 4BR | $1,420 | $166,298 | 0.85% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 43942, located in Powhatan Point, Ohio, is a modest-sized community with a population of 2,012. Approximately 33.1% of the residents are renters, indicating a significant portion of the population that relies on rental housing. This percentage suggests a reasonable demand for Section 8 tenants, though it is not overwhelmingly high.
The median household income in this ZIP code is $51,023. While specific market rent figures are not available, we can compare the income levels to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) which is set at $860 per month for FY 2024. Assuming typical market rents align closely with the FMR, a landlord can expect that rent consumes about 21% of the median household income. This calculation is derived from dividing the FMR by the annual median income and multiplying by 100 to get the percentage: ($860 * 12 / $51,023) * 100 = 20.7%.
In areas where the median income is relatively low compared to the cost of living, Section 8 vouchers play a critical role in making housing affordable. Given the income levels in ZIP 43942, the FMR serves as an important benchmark for assessing affordability. A landlord should anticipate that the majority of Section 8 tenants will be families who rely heavily on their vouchers to secure housing.
The expected tenant profile includes individuals and families who need financial assistance to cover the cost of rent. These tenants will likely have a mix of employment statuses, including those working part-time or full-time jobs that do not provide sufficient income to cover market rents without assistance. Some may also be on disability or other forms of public assistance.
Given the relatively low median income and the reliance on vouchers, landlords must ensure that their properties meet HUD standards and are prepared for regular inspections. The presence of a substantial number of renters indicates a viable Section 8 tenant pool, but the scarcity of detailed market rent data makes it essential to rely on FMR as a guideline for setting reasonable rent prices.
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.