Location: Cleveland, OH | Metro: Cleveland, 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 | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,060 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,640 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,760 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,042 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,287 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,470 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,594 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,280 | $236,967 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $1,640 | $301,278 | 0.54% | F |
| 4BR | $1,760 | $405,189 | 0.43% | F |
| 5BR | $2,042 | $490,812 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 44044, which encompasses Grafton, Ohio, in Lorain County, the Section 8 housing program operates under specific economic guidelines. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1040. This SAFMR figure is crucial because it is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting the local rental market conditions accurately.
The local market rent for a similar two-bedroom unit, according to the Census ACS data, is $1,072. This means that landlords in ZIP 44044 can expect to charge slightly above the SAFMR rate when renting out a two-bedroom apartment to tenants with Section 8 vouchers.
When a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher, the payment structure involves both the tenant's contribution and the government subsidy. The tenant is required to pay approximately 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. For example, if a tenant's monthly adjusted income is $1,500, they would contribute about $450 towards the rent of a two-bedroom apartment.
The remaining amount is covered by the government subsidy, which is calculated based on the SAFMR. In this case, the government would cover the difference between the tenant's contribution and the SAFMR. If the tenant contributes $450, the government would subsidize the rest, up to the SAFMR limit of $1040. Therefore, the government subsidy would be $590.
Additionally, Section 8 vouchers include utility allowances, which vary but typically range around $200-$300 per month. These allowances help cover the cost of utilities such as electricity, water, and gas, ensuring that the total living expenses remain affordable for the tenant.
To summarize, in ZIP 44044, a landlord renting a two-bedroom apartment to a tenant with a Section 8 voucher can expect the following breakdown:
This results in a total reimbursement of roughly $790-$890 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, leaving a slight surplus compared to the SAFMR of $1040. However, the actual surplus or gap will depend on the exact amount of the tenant's contribution and the utility allowance provided. Landlords should ensure that their rents are competitive yet reasonable to attract and retain tenants using Section 8 vouchers effectively.
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.