Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Jefferson County, Ohio
Jefferson County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,007 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $835 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.37 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,007
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 21% less than in Ohio
- Typical rent
- $835
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 19% less than in Ohio
- Wage needed
- $19.37
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,280 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 44%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% less than in Ohio
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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson County was $773 a month in September 2026: 8.3% 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 | $771 | $14.83 | $30,840 |
| 1 bedroom | $776 | $14.92 | $31,040 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,007 | $19.37 | $40,280 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,298 | $24.96 | $51,920 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,514 | $29.12 | $60,560 |
HUD area: Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH MSA. 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 29 ZIP codes in Jefferson County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 43908 to $1,510 in 43910. 19 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,007).
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)
| 43901 | Harrison County, OH | $890 | $920 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,730 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43901 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $890 | $920 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,730 |
| 43901 | Wheeling, WV-OH | $890 | $920 | $1,180 | $1,530 | $1,730 |
| 43908 | Canton-Massillon, OH | $760 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,290 | $1,490 |
| 43908 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $760 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,290 | $1,490 |
| 43910 | Harrison County, OH | $1,150 | $1,160 | $1,510 | $1,950 | $2,260 |
| 43910 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $1,150 | $1,160 | $1,510 | $1,950 | $2,260 |
| 43913 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $770 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,290 | $1,510 |
| 43917 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $760 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,510 |
| 43917 | Wheeling, WV-OH | $760 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,510 |
| 43925 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $1,040 | $1,050 | $1,360 | $1,760 | $2,040 |
| 43926 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $770 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,290 | $1,510 |
| 43930 | Columbiana County, OH | $830 | $850 | $1,080 | $1,400 | $1,530 |
| 43930 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $830 | $850 | $1,080 | $1,400 | $1,530 |
| 43932 | Columbiana County, OH | $840 | $850 | $1,090 | $1,410 | $1,610 |
| 43932 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $840 | $850 | $1,090 | $1,410 | $1,610 |
| 43938 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $900 | $910 | $1,180 | $1,520 | $1,770 |
| 43939 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $770 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,520 |
| 43943 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $770 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,290 | $1,510 |
| 43943 | Wheeling, WV-OH | $770 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,290 | $1,510 |
| 43944 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $870 | $880 | $1,140 | $1,470 | $1,710 |
| 43948 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $920 | $920 | $1,200 | $1,550 | $1,800 |
| 43952 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $790 | $790 | $1,030 | $1,330 | $1,550 |
| 43953 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $860 | $860 | $1,120 | $1,440 | $1,680 |
| 43961 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $770 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,290 | $1,510 |
| 43963 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $800 | $810 | $1,050 | $1,350 | $1,580 |
| 43964 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $770 | $770 | $1,000 | $1,290 | $1,510 |
| 43971 | Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $740 | $790 | $1,000 | $1,290 | $1,470 |
| 43971 | Wheeling, WV-OH | $740 | $790 | $1,000 | $1,290 | $1,470 |
- 43901 · Harrison County, OH $1,180$1,530
- 43901 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,180$1,530
- 43901 · Wheeling, WV-OH $1,180$1,530
- 43908 · Canton-Massillon, OH $1,000$1,290
- 43908 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,000$1,290
- 43910 · Harrison County, OH $1,510$1,950
- 43910 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,510$1,950
- 43913 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,000$1,290
- 43917 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,010$1,300
- 43917 · Wheeling, WV-OH $1,010$1,300
- 43925 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,360$1,760
- 43926 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,000$1,290
- 43930 · Columbiana County, OH $1,080$1,400
- 43930 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,080$1,400
- 43932 · Columbiana County, OH $1,090$1,410
- 43932 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,090$1,410
- 43938 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,180$1,520
- 43939 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,010$1,300
- 43943 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,000$1,290
- 43943 · Wheeling, WV-OH $1,000$1,290
- 43944 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,140$1,470
- 43948 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,200$1,550
- 43952 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,030$1,330
- 43953 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,120$1,440
- 43961 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,000$1,290
- 43963 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,050$1,350
- 43964 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,000$1,290
- 43971 · Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH $1,000$1,290
- 43971 · Wheeling, WV-OH $1,000$1,290
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 Jefferson County, 44% 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.
44%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,995 households rent in Jefferson County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 56%
Compared with the state and the country
- Jefferson 44%
- Ohio 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Jefferson County
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Jefferson County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 11
- HUD-assisted
- 8
- public housing
- 3
1,591 homes in all; 1,564 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- John F Kennedy Apts Public housing 815 N 6th Ave, Steubenville 43952 228 homes, 213 low-income · Run by Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority · Average payment: $271 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (740) 282-0994
- Earl F Rodgers Plaza Public housing 520 S 5th St, Steubenville 43952 178 low-income homes · Run by Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority · Average payment: $333 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (740) 282-0994
- Michael Myers Terrace Public housing 425 N 5th St, Toronto 43964 139 low-income homes · Run by Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority · Average payment: $270 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (740) 282-0994
- Steuben Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 601 Two Ridge Rd, Wintersville 43953 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2003 · For families · (740) 264-1162
- Gaylord Towers HUD-assisted 707 Market St, Steubenville 43952 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (740) 283-7970
- Heritage Place HUD-assisted 801 Market St, Steubenville 43952 100 low-income homes · For families · (740) 282-5413
- Market Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 805 Market St, Steubenville 43952 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2003
- Fort Steuben Apts HUD-assisted 180 N 4th St, Steubenville 43952 87 low-income homes · For older adults · (740) 282-9232
- Briarwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 56 Christopher Ave, Wintersville 43953 77 homes, 76 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 27 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Heritage Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3010 Johnson Rd, Steubenville 43952 76 low-income homes · 1 bd: 76 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Meridian Greene Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 Meridian Way, Wintersville 43953 66 low-income homes · 2 bd: 66 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Whispering Hills Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 901 Bank St, Toronto 43964 66 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2009 · For families · (740) 537-4949
- Indian Village Apartments HUD-assisted 125 Ravine St, Mingo Junction 43938 62 low-income homes · For older adults · (740) 535-1341
- Riverside Manor Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 524 N 5th St, Toronto 43964 61 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · In service since 2019 · For older adults · (740) 537-4151
- Meridian Greene II Tax credit (LIHTC) 114 Meridian Way, Wintersville 43953 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
- Rivers Landing HUD-assisted 909 2nd St, Brilliant 43913 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (740) 382-4885
- Steubenville Elderly Tax credit (LIHTC) 214 N 4th St, Steubenville 43952 35 homes, 31 low-income · Studio: 4 · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 27 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Troy Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 605 Troy Dr, Steubenville 43953 10 homes, 7 low-income · In service since 1988
- North Heights Homes Steubenville Tax credit (LIHTC) 637 N 5th St, Steubenville 43952 6 homes, 3 low-income · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2002
3 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
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
-
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)
-
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)
-
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)
-
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
-
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 | $18,450 | $30,700 | $49,150 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $35,100 | $56,150 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $39,500 | $63,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $43,850 | $70,150 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $47,400 | $75,800 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $50,900 | $81,400 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $54,400 | $87,000 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $57,900 | $92,600 |
Area median income: $80,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $694 – $848
- 1 bedroom $698 – $854
- 2 bedrooms $906 – $1,108
- 3 bedrooms $1,168 – $1,428
- 4 bedrooms $1,363 – $1,665
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
- Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 824 vouchers · 530 public housing units (740) 282-0994 Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority: mmcclurg@jeffersonmha.org
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 Jefferson County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Jefferson County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Jefferson 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
$2,014
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,007
- Security deposit
- $1,007
- Total
- $2,014
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 Jefferson County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $771; 1 bedroom: $776; 2 bedrooms: $1,007; 3 bedrooms: $1,298; 4 bedrooms: $1,514. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Jefferson County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,007) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.37 an hour full time, or $40,280 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Jefferson County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $43,850 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 Jefferson 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 $906 and $1,108 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Jefferson County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 43908 to $1,510 in 43910. 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 Jefferson County?
HUD lists 19 properties with homes for low-income households in Jefferson County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. 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 Jefferson County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Jefferson County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Ohio, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).