Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Ottawa County, Ohio
Ottawa County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,209 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $930 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.25 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,209
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 5% less than in Ohio
- Typical rent
- $930
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 10% less than in Ohio
- Wage needed
- $23.25
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $48,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 44%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% less than in Ohio
Only here
Renting in Ottawa County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At 84%, Ottawa County ranks 3rd among the 88 counties in Ohio for the highest homeownership rate.
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Nearby, in Sandusky County, the typical rent is $783: 16% less than in Ottawa County ($930).
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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa County was $1,538 a month in September 2026. 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 | $869 | $16.71 | $34,760 |
| 1 bedroom | $924 | $17.77 | $36,960 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,209 | $23.25 | $48,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,441 | $27.71 | $57,640 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,923 | $36.98 | $76,920 |
HUD area: Ottawa County, 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 20 ZIP codes in Ottawa County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,060 in 43456 to $1,230 in 43452. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,209).
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)
| 43408 | Ottawa County, OH | $870 | $930 | $1,220 | $1,510 | $1,800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43416 | Ottawa County, OH | $790 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,310 | $1,730 |
| 43416 | Sandusky County, OH | $790 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,310 | $1,730 |
| 43430 | Ottawa County, OH | $820 | $870 | $1,140 | $1,370 | $1,790 |
| 43430 | Sandusky County, OH | $820 | $870 | $1,140 | $1,370 | $1,790 |
| 43430 | Toledo, OH | $820 | $870 | $1,140 | $1,370 | $1,790 |
| 43432 | Ottawa County, OH | $800 | $850 | $1,120 | $1,340 | $1,780 |
| 43433 | Ottawa County, OH | $870 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,440 | $1,930 |
| 43436 | Ottawa County, OH | $870 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,440 | $1,930 |
| 43439 | Ottawa County, OH | $870 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,440 | $1,930 |
| 43440 | Ottawa County, OH | $880 | $930 | $1,220 | $1,450 | $1,940 |
| 43445 | Ottawa County, OH | $860 | $920 | $1,200 | $1,450 | $1,870 |
| 43445 | Toledo, OH | $860 | $920 | $1,200 | $1,450 | $1,870 |
| 43446 | Ottawa County, OH | $870 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,440 | $1,930 |
| 43449 | Ottawa County, OH | $810 | $860 | $1,130 | $1,350 | $1,800 |
| 43449 | Sandusky County, OH | $810 | $860 | $1,130 | $1,350 | $1,800 |
| 43452 | Ottawa County, OH | $880 | $940 | $1,230 | $1,470 | $1,960 |
| 43456 | Ottawa County, OH | $760 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,260 | $1,690 |
| 43458 | Ottawa County, OH | $810 | $860 | $1,130 | $1,350 | $1,800 |
| 43468 | Ottawa County, OH | $870 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,480 | $1,930 |
- 43408 · Ottawa County, OH $1,220$1,510
- 43416 · Ottawa County, OH $1,100$1,310
- 43416 · Sandusky County, OH $1,100$1,310
- 43430 · Ottawa County, OH $1,140$1,370
- 43430 · Sandusky County, OH $1,140$1,370
- 43430 · Toledo, OH $1,140$1,370
- 43432 · Ottawa County, OH $1,120$1,340
- 43433 · Ottawa County, OH $1,210$1,440
- 43436 · Ottawa County, OH $1,210$1,440
- 43439 · Ottawa County, OH $1,210$1,440
- 43440 · Ottawa County, OH $1,220$1,450
- 43445 · Ottawa County, OH $1,200$1,450
- 43445 · Toledo, OH $1,200$1,450
- 43446 · Ottawa County, OH $1,210$1,440
- 43449 · Ottawa County, OH $1,130$1,350
- 43449 · Sandusky County, OH $1,130$1,350
- 43452 · Ottawa County, OH $1,230$1,470
- 43456 · Ottawa County, OH $1,060$1,260
- 43458 · Ottawa County, OH $1,130$1,350
- 43468 · Ottawa County, OH $1,210$1,480
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 Ottawa 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.
3,042 households rent in Ottawa County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 56%
Compared with the state and the country
- Ottawa 44%
- Ohio 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Ottawa County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Ottawa County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 7
554 homes in all; 515 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Marblehead Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 261 S Bridge Rd, Lakeside Marblehead 43440 142 low-income homes · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 82 · In service since 2003
- Lakeview Estates HUD-assisted 205 Buckeye Blvd, Port Clinton 43452 105 low-income homes · For families · (419) 732-0385
- Perrys Glen HUD-assisted 1195 W Fremont Rd, Port Clinton 43452 60 low-income homes · For families · (419) 734-5002
- Shepard Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 985 Madison St, Port Clinton 43452 50 low-income homes · In service since 2019 · For families
- Port Clinton Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 1267 W Fremont Rd, Port Clinton 43452 46 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Port Clinton Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 W Catawba Rd, Port Clinton 43452 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1996
- Lutheran Housing Services #13 HUD-assisted 240 Finke Rd, Oak Harbor 43449 24 low-income homes · For older adults
- Covenant Harbor HUD-assisted 234 Finke Rd, Oak Harbor 43449 14 low-income homes · For older adults · (419) 898-6460
- Mercy Outreach Ministries II HUD-assisted 5810 N Main St, Williston 43468 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (419) 836-7741
- Mercy Outreach Ministries III HUD-assisted 9129 W State Route 163, Oak Harbor 43449 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (419) 836-7741
- Rose Acre Manor HUD-assisted 400 W 3rd St, Port Clinton 43452 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (419) 734-7622
- Concorde Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3700 E Vineyard Village Dr, Port Clinton 43452 39 homes
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 Ottawa County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Ottawa County; the state's agencies can help you. 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 | $21,600 | $35,950 | $57,550 |
| 2 people | $24,650 | $41,100 | $65,750 |
| 3 people | $27,750 | $46,250 | $73,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $51,350 | $82,150 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $55,500 | $88,750 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $59,600 | $95,300 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $63,700 | $101,900 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $67,800 | $108,450 |
Area median income: $102,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Ottawa County, OH HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $782 – $956
- 1 bedroom $832 – $1,016
- 2 bedrooms $1,088 – $1,330
- 3 bedrooms $1,297 – $1,585
- 4 bedrooms $1,731 – $2,115
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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Ottawa County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 Ottawa County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (formerly WSOS Community Action Commision, Inc.)
127 S Front St, Fremont · 15 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
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Neighborhood Housing Services of Toledo, Inc
704 2nd St, Toledo · 27 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
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Nid Lucas County
1510 N. Westwood Ave. Suite 2035, Toledo · 32 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 Ottawa 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
$2,418
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,209
- Security deposit
- $1,209
- Total
- $2,418
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 Ottawa County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $869; 1 bedroom: $924; 2 bedrooms: $1,209; 3 bedrooms: $1,441; 4 bedrooms: $1,923. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Ottawa County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,209) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.25 an hour full time, or $48,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Ottawa County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $51,350 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 Ottawa 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 $1,088 and $1,330 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Ottawa County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,060 in 43456 to $1,230 in 43452. 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 Ottawa County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Ottawa 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 Ottawa County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Ottawa County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Ohio, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).