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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,589 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,300 | $260,884 | 0.5% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 44443 reveals mixed prospects for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in the area.
The rent math does not strongly favor landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $860 for the fiscal year 2024 is higher than the average market rent reported by the Census ACS, which stands at $791. This indicates that while there is a benchmark for rental rates, the actual rents being charged in the market are lower, suggesting potential challenges in setting rents at the FMR level.
Acquisition appears to be relatively affordable. With a median home value of $229,089, the cost of purchasing property is within reach for many investors. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut implies that there may be uncertainties regarding the current housing market dynamics in this area. This could mean either a stable market or one where information is sparse, making it harder to predict trends.
Tenant demand is present but limited. The ZIP code has a total population of 1,641, with 30.0% of residents being renters. This translates to approximately 492 potential tenants, which is a modest pool of renters. While this may support some rental properties, it also suggests that competition among landlords could be significant, especially if the number of available rental units is high relative to the number of renters.
In summary, ZIP code 44443 offers an affordable entry point for property acquisition, but the gap between FMR and actual market rents presents a challenge for maximizing income. Tenant demand is present, though limited by the size of the population, indicating that careful consideration of the local rental market conditions is necessary before investing. Landlords should focus on managing costs and ensuring their properties offer good value to attract and retain tenants in this competitive environment.
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.