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 | $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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,300 | $97,704 | 1.33% | A |
| 4BR | $1,370 | $110,365 | 1.24% | A |
| 5BR | $1,589 | $118,668 | 1.34% | A |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
55.9% of residents in ZIP code 44504 are renters, indicating a strong demand for rental properties. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area as of fiscal year 2024 is set at $860, which is higher than the market rent reported by the Census American Community Survey at $785. This discrepancy suggests that landlords can potentially charge above the average market rate without losing tenants.
$100,426 is the median home value in the area, reflecting a stable housing market. However, the median income of $45,299 is significantly lower, which could indicate financial strain on many households. This gap between income and housing costs highlights the importance of the Section 8 program in making housing affordable for low-income families.
N/A-day DOM (Days on Market) and N/A% price-cut share suggest limited data on how quickly properties are being rented out and at what frequency landlords need to reduce their asking prices. Despite this lack of specific data, the high renter share and the difference between FMR and market rent imply a competitive market where landlords who offer reasonable terms can find tenants easily.
In conclusion, the current figures point towards a viable investment opportunity in ZIP 44504 for landlords willing to participate in the Section 8 program. The higher FMR compared to the market rent provides a buffer for landlords, while the significant renter share ensures a steady pool of potential tenants. Given these conditions, landlords should consider accepting Section 8 tenants as it aligns with both the local economic realities and the demand for affordable housing.
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.