Location: Van Wert County, OH | Metro: Paulding 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 | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,300 | $175,864 | 0.74% | D |
| 4BR | $1,540 | $209,461 | 0.74% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 45849 are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment, which is set at $1,010 for the fiscal year 2026. This SAFMR figure is specific to this ZIP code and reflects the rental assistance rate that landlords can expect if their property qualifies under the program.
In contrast, the local market rent for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 45849 is significantly lower at $539 according to the latest Census ACS data. This discrepancy between the SAFMR and the actual market rent presents an opportunity for landlords but also requires understanding how the voucher system operates.
A Section 8 voucher pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant. The total amount paid by the Housing Authority to the landlord includes the tenant's portion of the rent plus any utility allowances. For ZIP 45849, the maximum allowable rent is $1,010. However, the tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income of $1,500 for a household in this area, the tenant would pay approximately $450 towards rent.
The remaining balance, up to the $1,010 SAFMR, is covered by the Housing Authority. In addition, utility allowances are provided based on the size of the unit and the region. For a two-bedroom unit, these allowances typically range from $200 to $300 per month, depending on the local cost of utilities.
To illustrate, if the tenant's share is $450 and the utility allowance is $250, the Housing Authority would cover the difference between these amounts and the SAFMR of $1,010. This results in a reimbursement of $760 ($1,010 - $450 + $250) to the landlord.
Given that the local market rent is $539, landlords participating in the Section 8 program for a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 45849 would receive a surplus of $221 per month ($760 - $539).
This surplus can be used to offset costs such as property maintenance, insurance, and other expenses associated with owning rental properties. It's important for landlords to note that the SAFMR of $1,010 is the cap for the voucher payment, so even if the market rent is lower, they will still receive the higher reimbursement amount as long as it does not exceed the SAFMR.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 45849 who participate in the Section 8 program for a two-bedroom unit can expect a reimbursement of $760 per month, resulting in a surplus of $221 over the typical local market rent of $539.
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.