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 | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,891 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,287 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,401 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,190 | $113,345 | 1.05% | B |
| 3BR | $1,540 | $145,639 | 1.06% | B |
| 4BR | $1,630 | $164,227 | 0.99% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 44672, located in Sebring, OH, Mahoning County, are straightforward when analyzed with the given figures. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code for fiscal year 2024 is $860. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay towards rent for a unit of this size.
In contrast, the local market rent for a similar two-bedroom apartment is $1,213 according to the latest Census ACS data. This discrepancy highlights the potential financial considerations for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
A voucher payment consists of two main parts: the tenant's contribution and the utility allowance. The tenant must contribute 30% of their adjusted income toward rent. If we assume an average adjusted income for a tenant in this scenario, the contribution would be calculated as follows:
Let's say a tenant has an adjusted income of $1,000 per month. Their contribution would be 30% of this amount, which is $300. The total voucher payment would then be the sum of the SAFMR ($860) and the tenant's contribution ($300), minus any utility allowance. For simplicity, let's assume there is a standard utility allowance of $200.
The calculation for the reimbursement to the landlord would be: $860 (SAFMR) + $300 (tenant contribution) - $200 (utility allowance) = $960. Therefore, the landlord would receive $960 from the voucher program for a two-bedroom apartment.
To summarize the typical reimbursement gap or surplus in this context, a landlord renting a two-bedroom apartment at the local market rate of $1,213 would have a reimbursement gap of $253. This means the landlord would need to cover the difference between the market rent and the voucher reimbursement, or adjust the rent to match the SAFMR to avoid a shortfall.
If the landlord sets the rent exactly at the SAFMR of $860, they would receive the full amount without any gap, but they would also be receiving less than the market rent. In this case, the landlord would have a surplus if they can reduce their expenses or find other ways to balance the lower rent income.
Given these specifics, landlords should carefully consider the economic implications before participating in the Section 8 program. They must weigh the benefits of guaranteed rent against the potential for reduced rental income compared to the local market rates.
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.