Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Hancock County, Ohio
Hancock County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,189 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $979 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.87 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,189
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 7% less than in Ohio
- Typical rent
- $979
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 5% less than in Ohio
- Wage needed
- $22.87
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $47,560 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 37%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 20% less than in Ohio
Only here
Renting in Hancock County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Hancock County has the highest typical rent in its area: $979, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Wood County ($972).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Hancock County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Hancock County was $1,348 a month in September 2026: 6.4% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $828 | $15.92 | $33,120 |
| 1 bedroom | $909 | $17.48 | $36,360 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,189 | $22.87 | $47,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,546 | $29.73 | $61,840 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,752 | $33.69 | $70,080 |
HUD area: Hancock County, OH. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 18 ZIP codes in Hancock County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,020 in 44804 to $1,450 in 45881. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,189).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 44804 | Hancock County, OH | $710 | $780 | $1,020 | $1,340 | $1,530 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45814 | Hancock County, OH | $700 | $780 | $1,020 | $1,340 | $1,530 |
| 45816 | Hancock County, OH | $910 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,700 | $1,930 |
| 45840 | Hancock County, OH | $840 | $920 | $1,200 | $1,560 | $1,770 |
| 45841 | Hancock County, OH | $880 | $950 | $1,200 | $1,560 | $1,760 |
| 45841 | Hardin County, OH | $880 | $950 | $1,200 | $1,560 | $1,760 |
| 45858 | Hancock County, OH | $840 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,570 | $1,780 |
| 45858 | Putnam County, OH | $840 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,570 | $1,780 |
| 45858 | Toledo, OH | $840 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,570 | $1,780 |
| 45867 | Hancock County, OH | $750 | $820 | $1,070 | $1,390 | $1,570 |
| 45867 | Wyandot County, OH | $750 | $820 | $1,070 | $1,390 | $1,570 |
| 45868 | Hancock County, OH | $950 | $1,050 | $1,370 | $1,780 | $2,020 |
| 45868 | Putnam County, OH | $950 | $1,050 | $1,370 | $1,780 | $2,020 |
| 45881 | Hancock County, OH | $1,010 | $1,110 | $1,450 | $1,890 | $2,140 |
| 45889 | Hancock County, OH | $810 | $880 | $1,150 | $1,480 | $1,640 |
| 45889 | Toledo, OH | $810 | $880 | $1,150 | $1,480 | $1,640 |
| 45890 | Hancock County, OH | $700 | $780 | $1,020 | $1,340 | $1,530 |
| 45897 | Hancock County, OH | $890 | $920 | $1,080 | $1,380 | $1,550 |
- 44804 · Hancock County, OH $1,020$1,340
- 45814 · Hancock County, OH $1,020$1,340
- 45816 · Hancock County, OH $1,310$1,700
- 45840 · Hancock County, OH $1,200$1,560
- 45841 · Hancock County, OH $1,200$1,560
- 45841 · Hardin County, OH $1,200$1,560
- 45858 · Hancock County, OH $1,210$1,570
- 45858 · Putnam County, OH $1,210$1,570
- 45858 · Toledo, OH $1,210$1,570
- 45867 · Hancock County, OH $1,070$1,390
- 45867 · Wyandot County, OH $1,070$1,390
- 45868 · Hancock County, OH $1,370$1,780
- 45868 · Putnam County, OH $1,370$1,780
- 45881 · Hancock County, OH $1,450$1,890
- 45889 · Hancock County, OH $1,150$1,480
- 45889 · Toledo, OH $1,150$1,480
- 45890 · Hancock County, OH $1,020$1,340
- 45897 · Hancock County, OH $1,080$1,380
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Hancock County, 37% of renter households are in that position; in Ohio, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
37%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
9,235 households rent in Hancock County
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 18%
- Spend less than 30% 63%
Compared with the state and the country
- Hancock 37%
- Ohio 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Hancock County
HUD lists 20 properties with homes for low-income households in Hancock County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 13
- HUD-assisted
- 11
1,206 homes in all; 1,096 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Crystal Glen Apts (MELROSE) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1231 Crystal Glen Blvd, Findlay 45840 192 low-income homes · In service since 1999
- Senior Tower Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 806 Bright Rd, Findlay 45840 146 low-income homes · 1 bd: 107 · 2 bd: 39 · In service since 2003 · For older adults · (419) 423-4143
- Melrose Village Phase I & II Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 2201 Jennifer Ln, Findlay 45840 106 low-income homes · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 54 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2006 · For families · (419) 424-9625
- Glenwood Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 Sterling Hill Dr, Findlay 45840 76 low-income homes · In service since 1994
- Breckenridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2010 Crystal Ave, Findlay 45840 72 homes, 71 low-income · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Findlay Green II Tax credit (LIHTC) 730 Fox Run Rd, Findlay 45840 66 low-income homes · In service since 1994
- Wesley Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Stinchcomb Dr, Fostoria 44830 54 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Blanchard Station Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1795 Bishop Ln, Findlay 45840 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 3 · 3 bd: 40 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2020 · (614) 949-7510
- Findlay Commons HUD-assisted 1908 Kirkwood Ct, Findlay 45840 50 low-income homes · For families · (419) 422-9529
- Findlay Green HUD-assisted 742 Longmeadow Ln, Findlay 45840 45 low-income homes · For families · (419) 423-7024
- Kiwanis Village Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1200 Croy Dr, Findlay 45840 45 homes, 44 low-income · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2011 · For older adults · (419) 425-1010
- Crawford Station Tax credit (LIHTC) 1405 E Melrose Ave, Findlay 45840 43 low-income homes · 2 bd: 13 · 3 bd: 28 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Good Samariton Manor HUD-assisted 200 Powell Dr, Arlington 45814 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (419) 365-5115
- Blanchard House HUD-assisted 2000 N Blanchard St, Findlay 45840 37 homes, 36 low-income · For older adults · (419) 425-1010
- Forest Edge Tax credit (LIHTC) 174 Powell Ln, Rawson 45881 36 low-income homes · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 2009
- Crystal Gale Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 613 Scott St, Mc Comb 45858 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1996
- Krystal Ridge HUD-assisted 1957 Breckenridge Rd, Findlay 45840 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (419) 423-3755
- Eastern Woods Senior HUD-assisted 15105 Birchaven Ln, Findlay 45840 50 homes, 5 low-income · (567) 343-5237
- Crawford Station Family Apartments HUD-assisted 1450 E Melrose Ave, Findlay 45840 44 homes, 4 low-income · (740) 983-4566
- Christla Gale Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 613 Scott St, Mc Comb 45858 22 homes
4 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Hancock County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Hancock County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,700 | $36,150 | $57,900 |
| 2 people | $24,800 | $41,350 | $66,200 |
| 3 people | $27,900 | $46,500 | $74,450 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $51,700 | $82,700 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $55,850 | $89,350 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $60,000 | $95,950 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $64,100 | $102,550 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $68,250 | $109,200 |
Area median income: $105,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Hancock County, OH. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $745 – $911
- 1 bedroom $818 – $1,000
- 2 bedrooms $1,070 – $1,308
- 3 bedrooms $1,391 – $1,701
- 4 bedrooms $1,577 – $1,927
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Hancock Metropolitian Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 870 vouchers (419) 424-7848 Hancock Metropolitian Housing Authority: cricker@hancockmetro.com
Housing agencies in Ohio Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Ohio
What Ohio law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16(B)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- Ohio Rev. Code §1923.04(A)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Ohio Rev. Code §5321.17(B)
- Only a court order can remove youOhio Rev. Code §5321.15(A)
- Protection from retaliationOhio Rev. Code §5321.02(A)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Hancock County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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West Ohio Community Action Partnership
540 S Central Ave, Lima · 30 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
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Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (formerly WSOS Community Action Commision, Inc.)
127 S Front St, Fremont · 37 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
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Nid Lucas County
1510 N. Westwood Ave. Suite 2035, Toledo · 45 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Hancock County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Ohio, the average home bill was $135 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,378
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,189
- Security deposit
- $1,189
- Total
- $2,378
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Hancock County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $828; 1 bedroom: $909; 2 bedrooms: $1,189; 3 bedrooms: $1,546; 4 bedrooms: $1,752. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Hancock County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,189) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.87 an hour full time, or $47,560 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Hancock County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $51,700 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Hancock County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,070 and $1,308 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Hancock County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,020 in 44804 to $1,450 in 45881. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Hancock County?
HUD lists 20 properties with homes for low-income households in Hancock County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Hancock County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Hancock County, 37% of renter households are in that position; in Ohio, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).