Location: Seneca County, OH | Metro: Erie County, OH HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,636 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,832 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,979 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,078 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $149,564 | 0.67% | D |
| 3BR | $1,250 | $200,127 | 0.62% | D |
| 4BR | $1,410 | $230,238 | 0.61% | D |
| 5BR | $1,636 | $253,351 | 0.65% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 44811, which includes Bellevue, OH, in Huron County, the Section 8 program operates under specific economic parameters that are crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors to understand. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code for fiscal year 2026 is set at $980. This figure is important because it represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay towards rent for a two-bedroom unit in this specific area.
The local market rent, according to Census ACS data, is currently $756 for a two-bedroom apartment. This means that the SAFMR is higher than the average market rent, which can be beneficial for landlords who are willing to accept vouchers.
A voucher payment consists of two parts: the tenant's portion and the government's subsidy. Tenants are typically required to contribute 30% of their adjusted income toward the rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,500 per month for a tenant in this area, the tenant would pay approximately $450 towards the rent. The remaining amount, up to the SAFMR, is covered by the government. Therefore, if the market rent is $756, the government would subsidize the difference between the tenant's contribution and the SAFMR, which in this case would be $530 ($980 - $450).
Utility allowances are also part of the calculation but are separate from the rent subsidy. These allowances vary based on the type of unit and the number of bedrooms. For a two-bedroom apartment, the utility allowance is usually around $200. This allowance is paid directly to the tenant to cover utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and sewage.
The typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 44811 can be calculated as follows: If the market rent is $756 and the government subsidy is $530, the total reimbursement including the utility allowance would be $730 ($530 + $200). This means that landlords would receive a surplus of $50 over the market rent, making the Section 8 program financially attractive in this area.
However, it is essential to note that the SAFMR is set specifically for this ZIP code, meaning that landlords in ZIP 44811 have a defined maximum rental amount they can charge while still being covered by the voucher program. Landlords should ensure that their rental rates do not exceed the SAFMR to avoid losing potential tenants who rely on vouchers.
To summarize, landlords in ZIP 44811 can expect a consistent and reliable income stream from the Section 8 program, with a slight surplus over the local market rent. This makes accepting vouchers a smart financial decision for those looking to stabilize their cash flow and attract a steady pool of 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.