Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 44212 - 2027

Investment Score for ZIP 44212

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$1,050
1 Bedroom	$1,200
2 Bedrooms	$1,450
3 Bedrooms	$1,850
4 Bedrooms	$2,000
5 Bedrooms	$2,320
6 Bedrooms	$2,598
7 Bedrooms	$2,806
8 Bedrooms	$2,946

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,450	$226,917	0.64%	D
3BR	$1,850	$295,565	0.63%	D
4BR	$2,000	$395,563	0.51%	F
5BR	$2,320	$450,631	0.51%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

### Market Analysis for ZIP Code 44212 (Brunswick, OH) #### Section 8 Voucher Dynamics The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 44212, as determined by HUD for 2026, is $1440 for a two-bedroom unit. This figure represents 18.9% of the median household income in Brunswick, which stands at $91,441. However, the actual rental prices in the area are significantly higher, with Zillow reporting a median price for a two-bedroom unit at $223,653. The price-to-FMR ratio of 12.9x indicates that the actual rental costs far exceed the FMR, creating a challenging environment for Section 8 voucher holders. For example, a voucher holder looking for a three-bedroom unit would find the FMR of $1850 insufficient to cover the actual rent, given the high cost of living in the area. This discrepancy means that voucher holders must often seek units below their size preference or negotiate with landlords who might be willing to accept the lower payment. The constraints imposed on voucher holders can limit their housing options and potentially lead to overcrowding or substandard living conditions. #### Affordability & Renter Profile The renter population in ZIP code 44212 comprises 23.2% of the total population, which is relatively low compared to many urban areas but typical for suburban settings. With a high occupancy rate of 97.3%, it suggests that the rental market is tight, indicating strong demand for rental properties. Given the median household income of $91,441, renters in this area are likely to be middle-class individuals or families who can afford higher rents but still face affordability challenges due to the significant gap between FMR and actual rental prices. The tight market dynamics mean that landlords have a competitive advantage, allowing them to charge higher rents. This situation could be exacerbated by the limited supply of affordable units, making it difficult for lower-income households to find suitable housing without assistance. The high occupancy rate also implies that there is little vacancy, further tightening the rental market. #### Investor Angle From an investor perspective, the ZIP code 44212 offers mixed prospects. While the occupancy rate is high, indicating strong demand, the actual rental prices are much higher than the FMR. For instance, the Zillow median price for a two-bedroom unit is $223,653, while the FMR is only $1440. This significant difference means that investors focusing solely on Section 8 vouchers may struggle to achieve positive cash flow, especially if they are unable to secure higher rents from non-voucher tenants. However, the high median household income and the presence of a substantial number of renters suggest that there is a robust market for higher-end rentals. Investors who can offer quality properties at slightly above FMR levels may still find success, particularly if they can attract middle-class renters willing to pay premium rates. The investment grade in this ZIP code would likely be moderate, as the high rental prices could offset some of the risks associated with lower-income housing. #### Specific Actionable Insights 1. **Focus on Quality Units**: Given the high median household income and the tight rental market, investors should consider acquiring or developing high-quality units that can command rents above the FMR. For example, a two-bedroom unit priced at $1600-$1800 could still attract middle-class renters while providing a buffer against potential losses from Section 8 vouchers. 2. **Negotiate with Landlords**: Investors who wish to cater specifically to Section 8 voucher holders should engage in negotiations with landlords to ensure that rents are set closer to the FMR. This approach could help maintain positive cash flow and make the investment more viable. For instance, securing a three-bedroom unit at $1850 rather than the market rate could provide a stable income stream. 3. **Consider Mixed-Income Developments**: To balance risk and reward, investors might consider developing mixed-income properties where a portion of units are reserved for Section 8 voucher holders, while others are rented out at market rates. This strategy can help stabilize cash flow and mitigate the financial impact of lower rents. #### Bottom Line For Section 8-focused investors, the ZIP code 44212 presents a challenging environment due to the significant gap between FMR and actual rental prices. The high occupancy rate and median household income indicate strong demand, but the tight market and high prices mean that cash flow will likely be negative unless investors can secure higher rents from non-voucher tenants. Therefore, the recommendation is to **Skip** this ZIP code for pure Section 8 investments. Instead, investors should focus on mixed-income developments or consider higher-end rental properties to ensure positive cash flow and a more sustainable investment strategy.

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.