Location: Ashtabula County, OH | Metro: Ashtabula County, OH HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,833 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,217 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,328 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,130 | $159,965 | 0.71% | D |
| 3BR | $1,380 | $223,218 | 0.62% | D |
| 4BR | $1,580 | $271,731 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 44032, which encompasses Dorset, OH, in Ashtabula County, are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) rates established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For fiscal year 2026, the SAFMR for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code is set at $1,130. This figure represents the maximum amount that a Section 8 housing voucher will cover for rent.
To understand the actual payment structure for landlords, it's essential to break down the components of a Section 8 voucher. The voucher payment consists of two parts: the tenant's contribution and the government subsidy. Typically, the tenant is required to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. For instance, if a tenant's adjusted monthly income is $1,000, they would contribute $300 towards the rent. The remaining amount, up to the SAFMR limit, is then subsidized by the government. In this case, for a two-bedroom apartment priced at $1,130, the government would pay the difference, which is $830.
In addition to the rent subsidy, there are utility allowances. These allowances vary but generally cover the cost of electricity, gas, water, and sewer. For ZIP 44032, the utility allowance for a two-bedroom unit is approximately $300. However, this allowance is not directly paid to the landlord; it's provided to the tenant to manage their own utility expenses.
Given the SAFMR rate of $1,130, a landlord can expect to receive the government subsidy of around $830 for a two-bedroom apartment, assuming the tenant's income is $1,000 per month. If the local market rent is higher than the SAFMR, landlords will face a reimbursement gap. Conversely, if the market rent is lower, landlords might see a surplus.
Unfortunately, specific data on the local market rent for ZIP 44032 is currently unavailable. This makes it challenging to provide an exact surplus or gap figure. However, based on the SAFMR of $1,130, landlords should ensure that their rental prices do not exceed this amount to avoid financial losses due to the reimbursement gap. If the market rent is indeed lower than the SAFMR, landlords could potentially benefit from a surplus, though this would depend on the individual market conditions and tenant contributions.
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.