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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $49,753 | 2.01% | A+ |
| 3BR | $1,300 | $111,451 | 1.17% | B |
| 4BR | $1,370 | $155,283 | 0.88% | C |
| 5BR | $1,589 | $192,068 | 0.83% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Youngstown, OH, specifically ZIP code 44505, is a neighborhood that offers a blend of affordability and accessibility, making it an interesting market for real estate investors looking to enter the rental sector.
In summary, the real estate market in ZIP 44505 offers a balanced opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. With a lower market rent compared to the FMR, there is room to increase rents slightly above the market average without pricing out a substantial portion of the tenant base. The high renter share points to strong demand, and the relatively low median home value suggests that the area is accessible for both new and existing investors. However, the median income being on the lower side means that landlords must be cautious about setting rental prices too high, as they need to remain within reach of the majority of residents. This market is best suited for those who can offer well-maintained, competitively priced rental units to capitalize on the existing demand.
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.