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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 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 | $1,150 | $202,491 | 0.57% | F |
| 3BR | $1,390 | $260,642 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $1,580 | $330,638 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 44085 in Ohio for the metro fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,270. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers, meaning it is the maximum amount that the government will pay landlords for renting out their properties to tenants participating in the Section 8 program. However, this does not necessarily reflect the actual rent that tenants will pay. Tenants typically contribute a portion of their income towards rent, with the rest covered by the voucher.
To put this into perspective, the average rent for ZIP 44085, based on Census American Community Survey data, is $898. This indicates that the FMR is higher than the typical market rate, which can be beneficial for landlords as they may receive a slightly above-average rent payment through the Section 8 program.
With a renter share of 10.1%, there is a moderate demand for rental properties in the area. This suggests that landlords should expect a reasonable level of interest from potential tenants, but it also implies that competition among landlords could be significant.
The median home value in ZIP 44085 is approximately $247,148, which gives an idea of the acquisition cost for a property in this area. For those considering purchasing a property specifically for Section 8 rentals, this figure helps estimate the initial investment required.
Before committing to a Section 8 rental property, it is crucial to verify that the property meets all the necessary Housing Quality Standards (HQS) set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These standards ensure that the property is safe, decent, and sanitary for tenants. Failure to meet these standards can result in non-payment or termination of the lease agreement.
In summary, the FMR of $1,270 provides a payment guarantee for landlords, while the average rent of $898 shows that the Section 8 rate is favorable. The moderate demand indicated by the 10.1% renter share suggests steady interest from tenants. With a median home value of around $247,148, the acquisition cost is clear. But the key step is ensuring your property complies with HUD's HQS before you proceed.
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.