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: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $151,227 | 0.66% | D |
| 3BR | $1,300 | $193,469 | 0.67% | D |
| 4BR | $1,370 | $227,006 | 0.6% | D |
| 5BR | $1,589 | $265,025 | 0.6% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Austintown, OH (ZIP 44515) presents several challenges that a skeptical investor might raise regarding the viability of renting properties under Section 8. The primary concern is whether the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $870 for the fiscal year 2024 will be sufficient to cover the mortgage on a home priced at $182,644. This is a valid concern because the monthly mortgage payment on a $182,644 home, assuming a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at an average interest rate of 5%, would be approximately $950. Thus, the FMR does not fully cover the mortgage payment, leaving a shortfall of around $80 per month.
The second objection is related to the demand for rental properties. With only 33.8% of Austintown's housing units being rented, it may seem that there is insufficient demand for rental properties. However, this percentage translates into a significant number of renters, given that Austintown has a population of over 11,000 residents. Moreover, the rental vacancy rate is currently at 5.5%, which suggests that the demand for rentals is relatively steady and that new rental units could find tenants without much difficulty.
Lastly, the investor might question if the Housing Choice Voucher program will keep pace with the market rents. The current voucher amount is $792, which is slightly below the FMR of $870. This indicates that voucher holders might struggle to cover the cost of higher-end rentals. However, it's important to note that voucher amounts can adjust annually based on the local market conditions and federal guidelines. Therefore, while there may be some financial pressure now, it is likely that the voucher amounts will increase to match the rising market rents.
In summary, Austintown's FMR does not completely cover the mortgage on a typical home, but the rental market is stable with a reasonable vacancy rate. Although the current voucher amount is lower than the FMR, adjustments can be expected, aligning with market trends.
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.