Location: Seneca County, OH | Metro: Seneca 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 | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,763 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,975 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,133 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,390 | $269,413 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median income in ZIP code 44853 stands at $90,281, which provides a solid financial foundation for residents. However, when compared to the market rate rental price of $842, there appears to be a comfortable margin for households to cover their housing expenses without significant strain. This suggests that many residents have the capacity to pay above the market rate, potentially opening opportunities for landlords to increase rents slightly while still remaining affordable.
In contrast, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) standard set for voucher payments in the metropolitan area for fiscal year 2026 is $1,040. This amount exceeds both the median income and the current market rate, indicating that voucher holders might find it challenging to secure housing within ZIP 44853. The gap between the market rate ($842) and the voucher payment standard ($1,040) presents a unique scenario where landlords could benefit from accepting vouchers, as they would receive higher payments than the typical market rate.
With only 11.9% of the population being renters and a total population of 1,391, competition among landlords for tenants is relatively low. This means that landlords have a greater flexibility in setting rental prices and can choose to cater to either voucher recipients or those paying cash outright. Given the limited number of renters, landlords who accept vouchers can potentially tap into a less competitive segment of the market, ensuring steady occupancy rates.
The takeaway for landlords considering their strategy is clear: accepting vouchers can provide a guaranteed income stream that surpasses the current market rate. This approach is particularly advantageous in ZIP 44853, where the demand for rental housing is lower, and the opportunity to secure long-term tenants at a premium to the market rate exists. For those focused on maximizing immediate cash flow, the option to set prices just below the voucher threshold but above the market rate can also be lucrative, leveraging the higher willingness to pay from non-voucher households.
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.