Location: Tuscarawas 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 | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,030 | $127,141 | 0.81% | C |
| 3BR | $1,280 | $181,919 | 0.7% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 44621, which includes Dennison, OH, and parts of Tuscarawas County, are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment set at $880 for fiscal year 2024. This SAFMR is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting the unique housing cost dynamics in the area.
Local market rents for a two-bedroom unit average $862 according to the Census ACS data. Landlords often wonder how much they can expect from a Section 8 voucher program when considering both the tenant's contribution and the utility allowances.
A voucher holder typically pays 30% of their adjusted income toward rent. For simplicity, let’s assume an average adjusted income of $1,800 per month, which would mean the tenant pays $540 toward rent. The remaining balance is covered by the housing authority up to the SAFMR limit of $880. Therefore, if the tenant pays $540, the housing authority will pay $340 to cover the rest of the SAFMR, totaling $880.
In addition to the rent, there are utility allowances. These vary based on the type of utilities required but generally add about $200 to $300 to the monthly payment. If we take a conservative estimate of $200 for utility allowances, the total monthly reimbursement to the landlord would be $1,080 ($880 for rent plus $200 for utilities).
Given that the local market rent is $862, landlords participating in the Section 8 program in ZIP 44621 will see a slight surplus when factoring in the utility allowances. The typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom unit would be around $218 per month ($1,080 - $862), meaning landlords receive more than the typical market rent for this ZIP code.
This surplus is beneficial for landlords as it helps offset any potential losses due to the administrative requirements of the program. It also provides a buffer against the costs associated with maintaining and managing rental properties, ensuring that landlords remain financially viable while providing affordable housing options to eligible 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.