Location: Akron, 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 | $890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $960 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,891 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,287 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,401 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,240 | $106,652 | 1.16% | B |
| 3BR | $1,480 | $135,631 | 1.09% | B |
| 4BR | $1,630 | $130,632 | 1.25% | A |
| 5BR | $1,891 | $129,390 | 1.46% | A |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 44301, located in Akron, OH, and part of the Akron, OH MSA metro area, can serve as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This designation is based on the favorable financial metrics that support steady rental income.
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 44301 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1070. Comparatively, the market rent stands at $1,169, indicating a modest premium over the FMR. However, the most compelling aspect is the median home value of $122,342, which is significantly lower than many other markets. This combination allows landlords to maintain positive cash flow while leveraging relatively low property acquisition costs.
A key indicator supporting this strategy is the spread between the FMR and the market rent. At just $99, this spread is narrow enough to ensure that Section 8 vouchers cover a substantial portion of the rental cost, minimizing risk and providing a reliable income stream. Additionally, the low median home value means that properties are affordable to acquire and maintain, further enhancing the potential for positive cash flow.
While the 0.2% price-cut share and 25-day Days on Market (DOM) suggest limited room for negotiation and a moderately quick turnover rate, these factors do not overshadow the primary role of cash-flow generation. The 39.2% renter share and median income of $51,321 provide insight into the demand for rentals but do not significantly impact the cash-flow anchor status, given the alignment of voucher amounts with market rents.
In conclusion, ZIP 44301 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio due to the minimal gap between FMR and market rents, coupled with the low median home value. This positioning ensures a stable and predictable income source for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
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.