Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Medina County, Ohio
Medina County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,274 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,143 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.50 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,274
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- About the same as in Ohio
- Typical rent
- $1,143
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 11% more 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
- 45%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% less than in Ohio
Only here
Renting in Medina County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Medina County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,143, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Cuyahoga County ($1,060).
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At $94,968, Medina County ranks 5th among the 88 counties in Ohio for the highest typical household income.
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At $1,143, Medina County ranks 6th among the 88 counties in Ohio for the highest typical rent.
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At 80%, Medina County ranks 8th among the 88 counties in Ohio for the highest homeownership rate.
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 Medina 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 Medina County was $1,857 a month in September 2026: 3.4% 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 | $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 18 ZIP codes in Medina County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,080 in 44254 to $1,910 in 44280. 7 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)
| 44212 | Cleveland, OH | $1,050 | $1,200 | $1,450 | $1,850 | $2,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44215 | Cleveland, OH | $960 | $1,100 | $1,330 | $1,700 | $1,830 |
| 44233 | Cleveland, OH | $850 | $960 | $1,170 | $1,500 | $1,610 |
| 44235 | Ashland County, OH | $830 | $940 | $1,150 | $1,460 | $1,610 |
| 44235 | Cleveland, OH | $830 | $940 | $1,150 | $1,460 | $1,610 |
| 44251 | Cleveland, OH | $1,260 | $1,440 | $1,730 | $2,230 | $2,380 |
| 44253 | Cleveland, OH | $910 | $1,040 | $1,260 | $1,610 | $1,740 |
| 44254 | Cleveland, OH | $780 | $890 | $1,080 | $1,380 | $1,490 |
| 44256 | Akron, OH | $980 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,730 | $1,860 |
| 44256 | Cleveland, OH | $980 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,730 | $1,860 |
| 44273 | Cleveland, OH | $830 | $950 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,590 |
| 44273 | Wayne County, OH | $830 | $950 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,590 |
| 44274 | Cleveland, OH | $910 | $1,030 | $1,250 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
| 44275 | Cleveland, OH | $1,010 | $1,150 | $1,390 | $1,780 | $1,920 |
| 44280 | Cleveland, OH | $1,390 | $1,570 | $1,910 | $2,440 | $2,630 |
| 44281 | Akron, OH | $910 | $1,030 | $1,250 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
| 44281 | Cleveland, OH | $910 | $1,030 | $1,250 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
| 44281 | Wayne County, OH | $910 | $1,030 | $1,250 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
- 44212 · Cleveland, OH $1,450$1,850
- 44215 · Cleveland, OH $1,330$1,700
- 44233 · Cleveland, OH $1,170$1,500
- 44235 · Ashland County, OH $1,150$1,460
- 44235 · Cleveland, OH $1,150$1,460
- 44251 · Cleveland, OH $1,730$2,230
- 44253 · Cleveland, OH $1,260$1,610
- 44254 · Cleveland, OH $1,080$1,380
- 44256 · Akron, OH $1,350$1,730
- 44256 · Cleveland, OH $1,350$1,730
- 44273 · Cleveland, OH $1,150$1,470
- 44273 · Wayne County, OH $1,150$1,470
- 44274 · Cleveland, OH $1,250$1,600
- 44275 · Cleveland, OH $1,390$1,780
- 44280 · Cleveland, OH $1,910$2,440
- 44281 · Akron, OH $1,250$1,600
- 44281 · Cleveland, OH $1,250$1,600
- 44281 · Wayne County, OH $1,250$1,600
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 Medina County, 45% 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.
45%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
14,433 households rent in Medina County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- Medina 45%
- Ohio 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Medina County
HUD lists 22 properties with homes for low-income households in Medina County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 10
- HUD-assisted
- 13
1,377 homes in all; 1,334 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Spring Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 5013 Fenn Rd, Medina 44256 198 low-income homes · In service since 1998
- R.H.M. Manor HUD-assisted 1685 Stonybrook Ln, Brunswick 44212 150 low-income homes · For older adults · (330) 273-4985
- Liberty Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) 253 Abbeyville Rd, Medina 44256 106 low-income homes · 2 bd: 76 · 3 bd: 22 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Liberty Plaza HUD-assisted 251 Abbeyville Rd, Medina 44256 106 low-income homes · For families · (330) 723-3300
- Wadsworth Tower HUD-assisted 190 Main St, Wadsworth 44281 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (330) 725-7531
- Towne Center Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1266 Pearl Rd, Brunswick 44212 88 low-income homes · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1995
- North View Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 860 Walter Rd, Medina 44256 85 homes, 84 low-income · For families
- Union Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 308 W Union St, Medina 44256 84 low-income homes · In service since 2019 · For families · (330) 722-3498
- Southwick Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 4326 Southwick Blvd, Brunswick 44212 54 low-income homes · 1 bd: 31 · 2 bd: 23 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- White Oak Village HUD-assisted 230 Great Oaks Trl, Wadsworth 44281 52 homes, 51 low-income · For older adults · (330) 334-6501
- Southwick Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4375 Southwick Blvd, Brunswick 44212 50 low-income homes · In service since 1993
- Southwick Place Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 4375 Southwick Blvd, Brunswick 44212 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2019
- Lodi Ambassador HUD-assisted 668 Oak Ct, Lodi 44254 48 low-income homes · For older adults · (330) 948-2899
- South Court Senior Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 171 High Point Dr, Medina 44256 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
- Ann Tubbs Estates HUD-assisted 201 Northland Dr, Medina 44256 40 homes, 39 low-income · For people with disabilities · (330) 723-0864
- Arbor Woods II Tax credit (LIHTC) 344 Quail Roost Dr, Medina 44256 35 low-income homes · In service since 1993
- Pembrook Greene Tax credit (LIHTC) 733 Bank St, Lodi 44254 18 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Medina Creative Living HUD-assisted 1120 N Huntington St, Medina 44256 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (330) 591-4434
- Medina Creative Living II HUD-assisted 1120 N Huntington St, Medina 44256 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (330) 591-4434
- Medina Creative Living III HUD-assisted 4100 Creative Living Way, Medina 44256 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (330) 591-4434
- Santee Landing HUD-assisted 455 Seville Rd, Wadsworth 44281 45 homes, 5 low-income · (330) 725-7531
- Society Assisted Living HUD-assisted 7373 Ryan Rd, Medina 44256 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (330) 722-1900
One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Medina 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 Medina 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 | $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
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
- Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 709 vouchers (330) 725-7531 Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority: mmha@mmha.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 Medina County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Mustard Seed Development Center
1557 Vernon Odom Blvd, Akron · 17 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Arabic, American Sign Language (ASL), Cambodian, Cantonese, and 19 more languages.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 7 more
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Fair Housing Contact Service
441 Wolf Ledges Pkwy Ste 200, Akron · 20 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 3 more
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Asian Akron Office 2
370 E Market St, Akron · 21 miles away
Also serves in Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese, and other languages.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Medina 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
$2,548
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,274
- Security deposit
- $1,274
- Total
- $2,548
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 Medina 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 Medina 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 Medina 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 Medina 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 Medina County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,080 in 44254 to $1,910 in 44280. 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 Medina County?
HUD lists 22 properties with homes for low-income households in Medina 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 Medina County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Medina County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Ohio, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).