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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,752 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,962 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,119 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,225 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $92,712 | 1.08% | B |
| 3BR | $1,290 | $163,241 | 0.79% | D |
| 4BR | $1,510 | $190,015 | 0.79% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 43964 of Toronto, OH, the primary risks for a first-time Section 8 landlord include tenant turnover, vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance issues. The market rent stands at $772, which is below the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $860 for fiscal year 2024. This discrepancy can lead to higher tenant turnover as some tenants might seek better rental options outside of the voucher program. With the days on market (DOM) being listed as N/A, it's difficult to gauge the exact vacancy exposure, but a general assumption can be made that properties may face prolonged vacancy periods due to limited data availability.
The typical home value in this area is $133,813, while the median income is $60,365. These figures suggest a potential challenge in maintaining property standards without significant financial strain, as lower incomes might correlate with higher instances of deferred maintenance. Landlords must be prepared to manage these costs effectively to ensure the property remains in compliance with Section 8 requirements.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the high concentration of renters in the area. The renter share is 21.8%, indicating a substantial demand for rental housing, which typically translates into higher interest in Section 8 vouchers. This dense rental market can provide a steady stream of qualified applicants, reducing the overall impact of vacancy and turnover.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.