Location: Weirton-Steubenville, WV | 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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,798 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,175 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,284 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,030 | $93,387 | 1.1% | B |
| 3BR | $1,330 | $124,935 | 1.06% | B |
| 4BR | $1,550 | $150,713 | 1.03% | B |
| 5BR | $1,798 | $161,412 | 1.11% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 43952, which includes Steubenville, Ohio, is set at $890 per month for fiscal year 2024. This figure represents the maximum amount that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will pay to cover a tenant's portion of the rent under the Section 8 program. It does not represent the total rent you can charge your tenants.
In comparison, the local market rent for ZIP 43952 is around $1,000 per month, as indicated by the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI). This suggests that while the FMR provides a baseline for rental assistance, landlords can still expect to receive slightly higher rents from tenants who contribute the remaining balance.
The 40.5% renter share in Steubenville indicates that nearly half of all households in the area spend a significant portion of their income on rent. This high percentage suggests strong demand for affordable housing options, making it likely that Section 8 tenants will be eager to secure a place to live. However, it also means that landlords should be prepared to cater to this demographic, ensuring that their properties meet HUD's quality standards.
When considering the acquisition cost of a property in Steubenville, the median household income of $105,676 is a key factor. This figure helps determine the potential financial stability of tenants and the overall viability of the investment. While the median income is relatively high, remember that Section 8 participants typically have lower incomes, so the FMR is designed to ensure affordability for these individuals.
Before proceeding with your first Section 8 rental, it is crucial to verify that your property meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards include requirements such as having a safe living environment, proper heating, and functioning plumbing. Ensuring compliance with these standards will prevent any issues with tenancy and help you avoid costly repairs down the line.
In summary, the FMR of $890 sets a cap on the rental assistance payment, but you can still charge up to $1,000 per month if the tenant agrees to pay the difference. The high renter share indicates strong demand for affordable housing, and the median income gives insight into the broader economic context. Confirming your property meets HQS is the final step to ensure a smooth start to your Section 8 rental venture.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.