Location: Youngstown-Warren, 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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,705 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,166 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,070 | $107,995 | 0.99% | C |
| 3BR | $1,380 | $150,187 | 0.92% | C |
| 4BR | $1,470 | $171,997 | 0.85% | C |
| 5BR | $1,705 | $199,892 | 0.85% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 44483, located in Warren, OH, within the Youngstown-Warren, OH MSA, serves as a solid cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 44483 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $910, which is below the current market rent of $975. This $65 monthly spread ensures that properties in this area can be rented out through the Section 8 program without significant financial loss, providing a reliable source of steady income.
The median home value in ZIP 44483 stands at $133,463, indicating that the area is affordable for both first-time homeowners and investors looking to enter the market. With an average FMR lower than the market rent, landlords can expect to maintain positive cash flow while still offering affordable housing options to low-income tenants.
Furthermore, the ZIP code's 0.2% price-cut share and 23-day Days on Market (DOM) suggest that the real estate market is relatively stable and that homes sell quickly once listed. This combination minimizes the risk of prolonged vacancies and ensures a smooth turnover process, further supporting the cash-flow anchor role of this ZIP code within a Section 8 portfolio.
While the 33.6% renter share and median income of $49,017 could also make ZIP 44483 a viable diversifier, the primary focus should remain on its ability to provide consistent cash flow. Diversification can be achieved through other investments or ZIP codes with higher renter shares and potentially higher appreciation rates.
In conclusion, ZIP 44483 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor due to its favorable FMR compared to market rents and its stable, quick-selling real estate market. This positioning allows landlords and small-portfolio investors to secure a dependable income stream without sacrificing liquidity or facing excessive risks.
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.