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 | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,636 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,832 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,979 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,078 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,330 | $205,372 | 0.65% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment risk assessment for becoming a Section 8 landlord in ZIP code 44454 highlights several potential challenges that must be considered. First, tenant turnover can be problematic due to the disparity between the market rent, which is currently unavailable, and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $860 for FY 2024. This discrepancy could lead to tenants seeking higher-paying opportunities elsewhere, resulting in frequent turnovers and additional costs for screening and onboarding new tenants.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. With an unknown number of days on the market (DOM), it's difficult to predict how long a property might remain vacant between tenants. A prolonged vacancy period can significantly impact cash flow and profitability. Furthermore, the typical home value in ZIP 44454 is $172,990, while the median household income stands at $74,857. This suggests that landlords may face deferred maintenance issues as tenants may not have the financial capacity to cover repairs and maintenance beyond their monthly voucher amount.
However, these risks are tempered by the high concentration of renters in the area, with 19.2% of residents being renters. High renter density typically translates into greater demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy rates and provide a steady stream of rental income. Despite the challenges, the presence of a significant number of voucher holders can mitigate some of the financial risks associated with rental vacancies and maintenance backlogs.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.