Location: Columbiana County, OH | Metro: Youngstown-Warren, 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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,543 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,866 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,959 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $209,808 | 0.48% | F |
| 3BR | $1,290 | $268,965 | 0.48% | F |
| 4BR | $1,330 | $350,422 | 0.38% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 44408, located in Columbiana, OH, presents a unique balance between yield and stability for real estate investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for 2024 is set at $860, significantly higher than the market rent of $712. This indicates a strong potential for rental income above market rates, which can be particularly appealing for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to maximize their returns.
However, the stability of the area is somewhat tempered by several factors. The median home value in ZIP 44408 is $245,821, which is relatively high compared to the median household income of $74,028. This suggests that the cost of living in the area might be higher than the average income, potentially affecting the ability of residents to afford housing. Additionally, the percentage of renters is 31.1%, which is moderate but does not indicate a highly stable tenant base. The lack of data on days on market (DOM) makes it difficult to assess how quickly properties can be rented out, which is an important factor for cash flow.
Given these figures, ZIP 44408 leans towards being a high-yield market due to the favorable FMR compared to the market rent. However, the stability is moderate, influenced by the income-to-home-value ratio and the percentage of renters. Therefore, this area would best be classified as a somewhere in between market. It offers good opportunities for generating above-average rental yields but requires careful consideration of the local economic conditions to ensure steady cash flow.
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.