Location: Canton-Massillon, 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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,717 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,923 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,077 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,090 | $182,579 | 0.6% | F |
| 3BR | $1,380 | $194,747 | 0.71% | D |
| 4BR | $1,480 | $304,385 | 0.49% | F |
| 5BR | $1,717 | $450,304 | 0.38% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP 44708 in Canton, OH, reveals several key points that are crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The first question addresses whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $970. In contrast, the market rent, measured by the Zillow Observed Rental Index (ZORI), stands at $1,188. This indicates that landlords participating in the Section 8 program would need to adjust their expectations downward, as the FMR is significantly lower than the market rate.
The second question concerns the affordability of acquisitions. With a median home value of $194,372, the cost of purchasing a property in ZIP 44708 is relatively moderate. Additionally, the average days on market (DOM) is only 25 days, suggesting a brisk pace of sales. The low price-cut share of 0.2% further implies that homes are selling close to their asking prices, indicating strong seller's confidence and a stable market.
The third question looks at tenant demand. The population of ZIP 44708 is 24,285, with a significant 30.9% of residents being renters. This high renter share suggests a robust demand for rental properties, making it a favorable environment for landlords and investors seeking tenants.
In conclusion, while the rent math does not favor landlords looking to maximize income through the Section 8 program due to the disparity between FMR and market rent, the acquisition costs remain affordable with homes selling quickly and at close to asking prices. The strong tenant demand, driven by a high renter share, supports the viability of investing in rental properties within ZIP 44708. Investors should weigh the lower rental income against the stability and demand of the local market to determine if it aligns with their investment goals.
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.