Location: Wayne County, OH | Metro: Akron, 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 | $910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,030 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,995 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,234 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,413 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,534 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,250 | $222,488 | 0.56% | F |
| 3BR | $1,600 | $291,321 | 0.55% | F |
| 4BR | $1,720 | $420,046 | 0.41% | F |
| 5BR | $1,995 | $553,082 | 0.36% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 44281, Wadsworth, OH, involve understanding the interplay between the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) and the local market rent. For a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code, the SAFMR for FY 2024 is set at $1140. This figure represents the maximum amount that a Section 8 voucher can cover for rent, tailored specifically to this ZIP code.
In contrast, the local market rent for a similar two-bedroom unit, as indicated by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), is $1696. This higher figure reflects the actual rents charged in the Wadsworth area, which often exceed the SAFMR. Landlords should be aware that the Section 8 program aims to pay only up to the SAFMR, not the full market rent.
A Section 8 voucher typically covers the difference between the tenant's portion of the rent and the total rent, up to the SAFMR limit. The tenant is expected to contribute 30% of their adjusted income toward the rent. If a tenant's adjusted income is $1500 per month, they would pay $450 towards rent. The voucher would then cover the remainder of the SAFMR, which in this case is $1140 minus the $450 tenant contribution, resulting in a voucher payment of $690.
In addition to covering part of the rent, Section 8 vouchers also provide utility allowances. These allowances vary but are designed to help cover the cost of utilities for the tenant. For ZIP 44281, the utility allowance for a two-bedroom unit is $250. This means that the total monthly reimbursement a landlord could receive from a Section 8 voucher would be $690 for rent plus $250 for utilities, totaling $940.
This leaves a significant gap between the local market rent and the total reimbursement from the Section 8 voucher. In Wadsworth, the gap is calculated as follows: the local market rent of $1696 minus the total voucher reimbursement of $940 equals a shortfall of $756 per month. This means landlords will need to adjust their expectations if they choose to participate in the Section 8 program in this ZIP code, as they will not be able to charge the full market rent and still receive full payment from the voucher.
To summarize, landlords in ZIP 44281 must understand that the SAFMR for a two-bedroom unit is $1140, while the local market rent is $1696. A Section 8 voucher will pay up to $940 per month, leaving a substantial gap of $756 that landlords will have to account for. Participation in the Section 8 program can offer stability in tenancy but comes with the trade-off of reduced rental income compared to the local market rates.
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.