Location: Wayne County, OH | Metro: Canton-Massillon, 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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,694 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,049 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,151 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,040 | $240,174 | 0.43% | F |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $309,836 | 0.41% | F |
| 4BR | $1,460 | $396,695 | 0.37% | F |
| 5BR | $1,694 | $492,042 | 0.34% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 44618, located in Dalton, OH, has a population of 7,846 residents. Among them, 21.2% are renters, indicating that while there is a notable rental presence, it is not overwhelmingly dominated by renters. The median household income stands at $74,403, which provides a benchmark for evaluating the affordability of housing in the area.
The market rent in ZIP 44618 is $860, matching the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024. This parity suggests that the rental market is closely aligned with government standards for affordable housing. Given the median income, the typical rent of $860 consumes approximately 11.5% of the average monthly income, assuming a consistent income distribution. This percentage is calculated by dividing the annual median income by 12 months and then by the market rent.
Despite the relatively modest proportion of renters in the ZIP code, the alignment between the market rent and the FMR indicates a potential for significant voucher utilization among eligible tenants. Landlords can expect a mix of tenants, including those who rely on Section 8 vouchers to cover their rent. These tenants will likely have incomes below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), which is necessary to qualify for such assistance.
To summarize, ZIP 44618 is not a heavily renter-dominated area but still offers opportunities for landlords willing to accept Section 8 vouchers. The expected tenant profile includes individuals and families with lower incomes who benefit from federal rental assistance programs to secure housing. This ZIP code's rental market is balanced, with rent eating a reasonable portion of the median income, making it accessible for both voucher holders and unsubsidized tenants.
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.