Location: Wayne County, OH | Metro: Ashland County, OH
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 | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $990 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,183 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,358 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,476 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,170 | $215,808 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $1,560 | $307,917 | 0.51% | F |
| 4BR | $1,680 | $383,081 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 44840, located in Jeromesville, OH, within Ashland County, stands out due to its relatively low population of 3,660 residents, where only 10.8% rent their homes. The median income here is $83,021, which is above the national average, indicating a financially stable community. Despite this, the median home value is notably lower at $285,382, suggesting that homeownership remains accessible compared to many metropolitan areas.
Moving into the specifics of Section 8 housing, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,120 for the metro area. However, the actual market rent, as per the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, is $1,059. This means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect to receive slightly higher rents through vouchers than the typical market rate, offering a modest financial advantage.
Based on the data signature of ZIP 44840, the community appears to be stable. With a higher median income and a reasonable median home value, there is little indication of significant transitional shifts. The slight difference between the FMR and the market rent suggests that the housing market is not experiencing rapid inflation or deflation, further supporting the notion of stability. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, this ZIP code presents a reliable environment where the economic benefits of Section 8 vouchers can be leveraged without the risk of drastic market changes.
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.