Location: Columbiana 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 | $1,030 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,070 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,065 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,498 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,623 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,730 | $224,577 | 0.77% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 44625, understanding the economics of Section 8 housing is crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2024 is set at $920. This figure is specifically tailored for this ZIP code, reflecting the unique rental conditions within 44625.
The local market rent, according to the Census ACS, stands at $1,090 for a two-bedroom unit. This indicates that the market rent exceeds the SAFMR by $170 per month. However, landlords should be aware that the Section 8 program operates differently from market rates.
A Section 8 voucher does not cover the entire rent amount. Instead, it reimburses landlords based on the SAFMR plus any applicable utility allowances. Typically, the tenant is responsible for paying approximately 30% of their adjusted income towards rent, which can vary widely depending on the individual's income level. For simplicity, let’s assume an average scenario where the tenant pays around $276 towards the rent (this is calculated based on a hypothetical income level where 30% equals this amount).
The remaining portion is covered by the voucher. In this case, the voucher would pay the difference between the tenant’s contribution and the SAFMR. Therefore, if the tenant contributes $276, the voucher would cover the rest up to $920. This means the voucher would pay $644 directly to the landlord.
In addition to the base rent, landlords may also receive utility allowances. These allowances can vary but are often around $150-$200 per month. For our example, let’s use a utility allowance of $175.
Adding the utility allowance to the voucher payment, the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $819. This is still below the local market rent of $1,090. Thus, the typical reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 44625 would be $271 per month. This gap represents the difference between the local market rent and the combined voucher payment plus utility allowance.
Landlords must carefully consider this economic reality when deciding whether to participate in the Section 8 program. While the program offers a steady stream of tenants and government-backed payments, it may not fully align with the current market rents in ZIP 44625. However, it can still provide a reliable source of income, especially in areas where market fluctuations are common.
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.