Renting in Lorain County, Ohio: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,274; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; About the same as in Ohio
Typical rent: $966; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 7% less than in Ohio
Wage needed: $24.50; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $50,960 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 47%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 3% more than in Ohio

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

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 Lorain 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 Lorain County was $1,499 a month in September 2026: 3.8% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$924	$17.77	$36,960
1 bedroom	$1,050	$20.19	$42,000
2 bedrooms	$1,274	$24.50	$50,960
3 bedrooms	$1,628	$31.31	$65,120
4 bedrooms	$1,756	$33.77	$70,240

HUD area: Cleveland, OH HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 15 ZIP codes in Lorain County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 44090 to $1,870 in 44028. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,274).

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)

Fair market rent by ZIP code and size, Fiscal year 2027. HUD area: Cleveland, OH.

44001	$860	$980	$1,190	$1,520	$1,640
44011	$1,330	$1,520	$1,840	$2,350	$2,540
44012	$1,340	$1,530	$1,850	$2,360	$2,550
44028	$1,360	$1,540	$1,870	$2,390	$2,580
44035	$830	$950	$1,150	$1,470	$1,580
44039	$950	$1,080	$1,310	$1,670	$1,810
44044	$930	$1,060	$1,280	$1,640	$1,760
44049	$830	$940	$1,140	$1,460	$1,570
44050	$920	$1,050	$1,270	$1,620	$1,750
44052	$820	$930	$1,130	$1,440	$1,560
44053	$770	$870	$1,060	$1,350	$1,460
44054	$950	$1,080	$1,310	$1,670	$1,810
44055	$810	$920	$1,110	$1,420	$1,530
44074	$830	$940	$1,140	$1,460	$1,570
44090	$730	$830	$1,010	$1,290	$1,390

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
44001 $1,190$1,520
44011 $1,840$2,350
44012 $1,850$2,360
44028 $1,870$2,390
44035 $1,150$1,470
44039 $1,310$1,670
44044 $1,280$1,640
44049 $1,140$1,460
44050 $1,270$1,620
44052 $1,130$1,440
44053 $1,060$1,350
44054 $1,310$1,670
44055 $1,110$1,420
44074 $1,140$1,460
44090 $1,010$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 Lorain County, 47% 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.

47%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

33,139 households rent in Lorain County

Spend half or more of their income 26%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
Spend less than 30% 53%

Compared with the state and the country

Lorain 47%
Ohio 46%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Lorain County

HUD lists 49 properties with homes for low-income households in Lorain 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): 22
HUD-assisted: 26
public housing: 5

5,189 homes in all; 4,706 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Lakeview Plaza Public housing 310 W 7th St, Lorain 44052 397 homes, 394 low-income · Run by Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority · Average payment: $262 a month · Average wait: 12 months · (440) 288-1600
Western Horizon HUD-assisted 2153 Lorain Dr, Lorain 44052 353 low-income homes · For families · (440) 288-7490
Westway Gardens HUD-assisted 1182 Garden St, Elyria 44035 300 low-income homes · For families · (440) 322-4881
Westway Gardens Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1013 Garden St, Elyria 44035 300 low-income homes · 2 bd: 202 · 3 bd: 98 · In service since 2010
Oberlin Homes Public housing 138 S Main St, Oberlin 44074 257 homes, 256 low-income · Run by Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority · Average payment: $340 a month · Average wait: 21 months · (440) 288-1600
Timber Lake Tax credit (LIHTC) 37830 Chester Rd, Avon 44011 252 low-income homes · 2 bd: 126 · 3 bd: 126 · In service since 2001
Wilkes-Villa Public housing 310 East Ave, Elyria 44035 200 homes, 199 low-income · Run by Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority · Average payment: $265 a month · Average wait: 17 months · (440) 288-1600
Kensington Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 535 Abbe Rd S, Elyria 44035 192 homes, 190 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 156 · In service since 2009 · For families
Wilkes Villa HUD-assisted 104 Louden Ct, Elyria 44035 174 low-income homes · For families · (440) 242-1169
Beachpark Tower Apts HUD-assisted 33687 Lake Rd, Avon Lake 44012 150 low-income homes · For older adults · (440) 933-2233
Oberlin Manor HUD-assisted 1220 W 37th St, Lorain 44053 150 low-income homes · For older adults · (440) 282-5343
Midview Crossing Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1864 Middle Ave, Elyria 44035 138 low-income homes · In service since 2014 · For families · (440) 323-2080
Kensington Square Apartments HUD-assisted 535 Abbe Rd S, Elyria 44035 192 homes, 107 low-income · For families · (440) 366-5551
Harr Plaza HUD-assisted 15 Chestnut St, Elyria 44035 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (440) 322-9829
International Plaza HUD-assisted 1825 Homewood Dr, Lorain 44055 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (440) 277-0290
Marshall Plaza Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2539 Marshall Ave, Lorain 44052 89 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 17 · In service since 2012
Marshall Plaza Apartments HUD-assisted 1940 W 27th St, Lorain 44052 87 low-income homes · For families · (440) 282-2893
Pearl Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 4221 Pearl Ave, Lorain 44055 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2003 · For families · (440) 277-4330
Firelands Lorain HUD-assisted 1025 W Erie Ave, Lorain 44052 77 low-income homes · For older adults · (440) 246-5220
Westgate Garden Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3005 Leavitt Rd, Lorain 44052 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 60 · In service since 2003
Jenna Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3152 Fulmer Rd, Lorain 44053 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1996
Westgate Gardens HUD-assisted 2943 Leavitt Rd, Lorain 44052 72 homes, 62 low-income · For families · (440) 282-2228
Cottages at Riverview, the Tax credit (LIHTC) 550 Sommer Way, Elyria 44035 62 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
Arlington Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 150 David Dr, Elyria 44035 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 47 · In service since 2018 · For families · (440) 324-7569
New Riverbend Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 407 Sommer Way, Elyria 44035 60 low-income homes · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 40 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities
Sheffield Meadows Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4854 Oneil Blvd, Lorain 44055 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 44 · In service since 1997
Southern Heights Multifamily Tax credit (LIHTC) 1648 E 29th St, Lorain 44055 63 homes, 56 low-income · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 26 · 4 bd: 14 · In service since 2001 · For people with disabilities
Heritage Square HUD-assisted 200 Marts Pl, Wellington 44090 56 low-income homes · For older adults · (440) 647-5252
Lmha Oberlin Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 56 Berger Ct, Oberlin 44074 51 low-income homes · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 27 · In service since 2013
Oberlin Homes LIHTC Public housing 166 N Park St, Oberlin 44074 51 low-income homes · Run by Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority · Average payment: $405 a month · Homes at several sites · (440) 288-1600
Concord Manor HUD-assisted 95 E Vine St, Oberlin 44074 51 homes, 50 low-income · For older adults · (440) 775-0144
Sacred Heart Manor HUD-assisted 4285 Pearl Ave, Lorain 44055 51 homes, 50 low-income · For older adults · (440) 277-4301
West Lake Gardens HUD-assisted 5001 W Erie Ave, Lorain 44053 50 low-income homes · For families · (440) 989-1932
ST Patrick Manor HUD-assisted 120 Maple St, Wellington 44090 50 homes, 49 low-income · For older adults · (440) 647-0406
Lorain Green I Tax credit (LIHTC) 3501 Pin Oak Dr, Lorain 44052 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1997
Chadwick Place Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 160 Ridge Circle Ln, Elyria 44035 46 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2019 · For families · (440) 323-3540
Threshold Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 3803 Toledo Ave, Lorain 44055 40 low-income homes · 3 bd: 35 · 4 bd: 5 · In service since 1995
Booker T. Washington HUD-assisted 3002 Fulmer Rd, Lorain 44053 40 homes, 39 low-income · For people with disabilities · (440) 282-5102
Nativity Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 420 W 15th St, Lorain 44052 38 homes, 32 low-income · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 25 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
R J Gordon Manor HUD-assisted 511 Fuller Rd, Elyria 44035 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (440) 323-0883
Lowell Apartments HUD-assisted 1833 E 31st St, Lorain 44055 36 homes, 26 low-income · For families · (440) 277-5237
Mah Avon HUD-assisted 373 Lear Rd, Avon Lake 44012 24 homes, 23 low-income · For people with disabilities · (440) 930-2420
Mah Sheffield Vistas HUD-assisted 1480 Lincoln Blvd, Sheffield 44055 24 homes, 23 low-income · For people with disabilities · (440) 233-6564
Park Meadow V Tax credit (LIHTC) 208 Park Meadow Ln, Elyria 44035 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1997
South Lorain Tax credit (LIHTC) 1500 E 29th St, Lorain 44055 13 low-income homes · In service since 1993
Leavitt Homes Public housing 1228 W 8th St, Lorain 44052 8 low-income homes · Run by Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority · (440) 288-1600
Lorain Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 3504 Dallas Ave, Lorain 44055 8 low-income homes · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 1997
Kensington Square Apartments HUD-assisted 535 Abbe Rd S, Elyria 44035 187 homes, 5 low-income · (440) 366-5551
New Kensington Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 525 Abbe Rd S, Elyria 44035 170 homes

4 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

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. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

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 Lorain 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 Lorain 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)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Cleveland, OH HUD Metro FMR Area.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$22,050	$36,750	$58,800
2 people	$25,200	$42,000	$67,200
3 people	$28,350	$47,250	$75,600
4 people	$33,000	$52,500	$84,000
5 people	$38,680	$56,700	$90,750
6 people	$44,360	$60,900	$97,450
7 people	$50,040	$65,100	$104,200
8 people	$55,720	$69,300	$110,900

Area median income: $105,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Cleveland, OH HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $832 – $1,016
1 bedroom $945 – $1,155
2 bedrooms $1,147 – $1,401
3 bedrooms $1,465 – $1,791
4 bedrooms $1,580 – $1,932

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

Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 3,169 vouchers · 908 public housing units (440) 288-1600 Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority: lmha1600@lmha.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 rule

Compare 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 Lorain County

These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Lorain County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

EC
El Centro de Servicios Sociales (OH)

2800 Pearl Ave, Lorain · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Home improvement and repairs
- and 3 more
(440) 277-8235
LM
Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority

1600 Kansas Ave, Lorain · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 2 more
(440) 288-1600
EC
El Centro de Servicios Sociales, Inc

2800 Pearl Ave, Lorain
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 3 more
(440) 277-8235

See every agency in Ohio Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lorain 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

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Lorain County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,274. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$2,548

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,274
Security deposit: $1,274
Total: $2,548

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

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.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

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.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Lorain County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $924; 1 bedroom: $1,050; 2 bedrooms: $1,274; 3 bedrooms: $1,628; 4 bedrooms: $1,756. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Lorain County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,274) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.50 an hour full time, or $50,960 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lorain County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,500 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 Lorain 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 $1,147 and $1,401 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lorain County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 44090 to $1,870 in 44028. 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 Lorain County?

HUD lists 49 properties with homes for low-income households in Lorain 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 Lorain County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lorain County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in Ohio, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Lorain County, Ohio

Four numbers to start with

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Lorain County

The Section 8 voucher in Lorain County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Ohio

Where to get help with rent in Lorain County

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Lorain County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Lorain County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lorain County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Lorain County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lorain County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Lorain County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Lorain County?