Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Portage County, Ohio
Portage County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,231 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,064 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.67 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,231
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 3% less than in Ohio
- Typical rent
- $1,064
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 3% more than in Ohio
- Wage needed
- $23.67
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $49,240 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 55%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 19% more than in Ohio
Only here
Renting in Portage County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
At 55%, Portage County ranks 4th among the 87 counties in Ohio with this figure for the largest share of rent-burdened renters.
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Among the neighboring counties, Mahoning County has the lowest typical rent ($791), 26% below the $1,064 in Portage County.
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 Portage 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 Portage County was $1,573 a month in September 2026: 4.6% 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 | $886 | $17.04 | $35,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $952 | $18.31 | $38,080 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,231 | $23.67 | $49,240 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,474 | $28.35 | $58,960 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,618 | $31.12 | $64,720 |
HUD area: Akron, 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 23 ZIP codes in Portage County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 44412 to $1,850 in 44202. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,231).
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)
| 44201 | Akron, OH | $860 | $930 | $1,200 | $1,450 | $1,580 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44201 | Canton-Massillon, OH | $860 | $930 | $1,200 | $1,450 | $1,580 |
| 44202 | Akron, OH | $1,330 | $1,430 | $1,850 | $2,220 | $2,430 |
| 44202 | Cleveland, OH | $1,330 | $1,430 | $1,850 | $2,220 | $2,430 |
| 44231 | Akron, OH | $750 | $810 | $1,040 | $1,260 | $1,380 |
| 44231 | Cleveland, OH | $750 | $810 | $1,040 | $1,260 | $1,380 |
| 44231 | Youngstown-Warren, OH | $750 | $810 | $1,040 | $1,260 | $1,380 |
| 44234 | Akron, OH | $800 | $870 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,480 |
| 44234 | Cleveland, OH | $800 | $870 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,480 |
| 44240 | Akron, OH | $910 | $970 | $1,260 | $1,510 | $1,660 |
| 44241 | Akron, OH | $1,140 | $1,220 | $1,580 | $1,890 | $2,080 |
| 44243 | Akron, OH | $910 | $970 | $1,260 | $1,510 | $1,660 |
| 44255 | Akron, OH | $900 | $970 | $1,250 | $1,500 | $1,640 |
| 44260 | Akron, OH | $840 | $910 | $1,170 | $1,400 | $1,540 |
| 44260 | Canton-Massillon, OH | $840 | $910 | $1,170 | $1,400 | $1,540 |
| 44266 | Akron, OH | $810 | $870 | $1,130 | $1,350 | $1,490 |
| 44272 | Akron, OH | $890 | $960 | $1,240 | $1,480 | $1,630 |
| 44285 | Akron, OH | $810 | $870 | $1,130 | $1,350 | $1,490 |
| 44288 | Akron, OH | $890 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,470 | $1,620 |
| 44288 | Youngstown-Warren, OH | $890 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,470 | $1,620 |
| 44411 | Akron, OH | $910 | $980 | $1,270 | $1,520 | $1,670 |
| 44412 | Akron, OH | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,330 |
| 44412 | Youngstown-Warren, OH | $730 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,220 | $1,330 |
- 44201 · Akron, OH $1,200$1,450
- 44201 · Canton-Massillon, OH $1,200$1,450
- 44202 · Akron, OH $1,850$2,220
- 44202 · Cleveland, OH $1,850$2,220
- 44231 · Akron, OH $1,040$1,260
- 44231 · Cleveland, OH $1,040$1,260
- 44231 · Youngstown-Warren, OH $1,040$1,260
- 44234 · Akron, OH $1,110$1,350
- 44234 · Cleveland, OH $1,110$1,350
- 44240 · Akron, OH $1,260$1,510
- 44241 · Akron, OH $1,580$1,890
- 44243 · Akron, OH $1,260$1,510
- 44255 · Akron, OH $1,250$1,500
- 44260 · Akron, OH $1,170$1,400
- 44260 · Canton-Massillon, OH $1,170$1,400
- 44266 · Akron, OH $1,130$1,350
- 44272 · Akron, OH $1,240$1,480
- 44285 · Akron, OH $1,130$1,350
- 44288 · Akron, OH $1,230$1,470
- 44288 · Youngstown-Warren, OH $1,230$1,470
- 44411 · Akron, OH $1,270$1,520
- 44412 · Akron, OH $1,010$1,220
- 44412 · Youngstown-Warren, OH $1,010$1,220
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 Portage County, 55% 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.
55%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
19,481 households rent in Portage County
- Spend half or more of their income 30%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 45%
Compared with the state and the country
- Portage 55%
- Ohio 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Portage County
HUD lists 35 properties with homes for low-income households in Portage 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)
- 20
- HUD-assisted
- 16
- public housing
- 2
2,540 homes in all; 2,054 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Silver Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 1214 Anita Dr, Kent 44240 340 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 268 · 3 bd: 62 · In service since 1995
- East Side Developments Public housing 777 Eastowne Dr, Ravenna 44266 210 homes, 202 low-income · Run by Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority · Average payment: $399 a month · (330) 297-1489
- Villages at Franklin Crossing HUD-assisted 926 Silver Meadows Blvd, Kent 44240 348 homes, 129 low-income · For families · (330) 678-0761
- Kentwood Square HUD-assisted 1546 S Water St, Kent 44240 101 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (330) 673-9586
- West Side Developments Public housing 1346 Town Square Dr, Kent 44240 93 low-income homes · Run by Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority · Average payment: $411 a month · (330) 297-1489
- Summit Gardens HUD-assisted 1101 Summit Gardens Blvd, Kent 44240 80 low-income homes · For families · (330) 678-6892
- Prospect House Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 245 S Prospect St, Ravenna 44266 66 low-income homes · Studio: 66 · In service since 2007 · For older adults · (330) 297-1580
- Terrill Commons HUD-assisted 218 W Main St, Ravenna 44266 65 low-income homes · For families · (330) 296-7139
- Maple Grove Arms Apts III Tax credit (LIHTC) 9124 Maple Grove Rd, Windham 44288 64 low-income homes · In service since 1993
- Maple Brook at Golden Pond II Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 5221 Sunnybrook Rd, Kent 44240 63 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 43 · In service since 2016 · For older adults · (210) 774-5814
- Portage Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 4516 Coe Rd, Ravenna 44266 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1995
- Kentway Apts HUD-assisted 388 E Summit St, Kent 44240 143 homes, 58 low-income · For older adults · (330) 678-0122
- Streetsboro Village Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 1550 Russell Dr, Streetsboro 44241 54 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 1995
- Bryn Mawr Glen HUD-assisted 171 Bryn Mawr St, Ravenna 44266 51 homes, 50 low-income · For older adults · (330) 296-1044
- Maplewood Village (streetsboro) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1638 Maplewood Dr, Streetsboro 44241 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 50 · In service since 2009 · For older adults
- Rushin Meadows HUD-assisted 778 Northgate Dr, Ravenna 44266 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (330) 296-7751
- Cherry Estates HUD-assisted 416 Cherry St, Kent 44240 48 low-income homes · For families · (330) 678-9929
- Wilds at Harvest Rose, the Tax credit (LIHTC) 1250 Idlewild Dr, Ravenna 44266 45 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2019 · For older adults
- Four Seasons at Kent Tax credit (LIHTC) 5956 Horning Rd, Kent 44240 54 homes, 43 low-income · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 50 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Garrethouse Tax credit (LIHTC) 10854 North St, Garrettsville 44231 40 low-income homes · In service since 1987
- Streetsboro Green HUD-assisted 1480 Russell Dr, Streetsboro 44241 40 low-income homes · For families · (330) 626-5737
- Cedar Meadows HUD-assisted 1756 Whitehall Blvd, Kent 44240 40 homes, 39 low-income · For people with disabilities · (330) 677-4133
- Rootstown Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 4263 Sabin Dr, Rootstown 44272 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 35 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
- Ravenna Housing for the Elderly HUD-assisted 772 Northgate Dr, Ravenna 44266 33 homes, 32 low-income · For older adults · (330) 296-7751
- Lamplighter Landings Tax credit (LIHTC) 4816 Sontag Ln, Mantua 44255 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2007
- Portage Homes I Tax credit (LIHTC) 9905 Short Dr, Windham 44288 30 low-income homes · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 20 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Portage Housing III Tax credit (LIHTC) 9015 Maple Grove Rd, Windham 44288 30 low-income homes · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities
- Windgrove Senior Housing HUD-assisted Maple Grove Rd, Village Of Windham 44288 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (614) 466-7970
- Windham Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 9108 Maple Grove Rd, Windham 44288 30 low-income homes · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2020
- Portage Housing II Tax credit (LIHTC) 9066 Maple Grove Rd, Windham 44288 25 low-income homes · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 15 · In service since 2002 · For people with disabilities
- KCC Apartments HUD-assisted 600 1st Ave, Kent 44240 11 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (330) 676-6932
- Four Seasons at Golden Pond Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 5231 Sunnybrook Rd, Kent 44240 69 homes, 10 low-income · In service since 2014 · For older adults · (210) 487-7878
- Greenmeadow Tax credit (LIHTC) 9584 Greenmeadow Rd, Windham 44288 6 low-income homes · In service since 1988
- Terrill Suites Tax credit (LIHTC) 870 Cleveland Rd, Ravenna 44266 65 homes, 5 low-income · Studio: 8 · 4 bd: 40 · In service since 2013
- Harvest Rose Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 Harvest Dr, Ravenna 44266 40 homes · In service since 2014 · For older adults
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 Portage 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 Portage 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 | $20,450 | $34,000 | $54,400 |
| 2 people | $23,350 | $38,850 | $62,200 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,700 | $69,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,550 | $77,700 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $52,450 | $83,950 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $56,350 | $90,150 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $60,250 | $96,350 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $64,100 | $102,600 |
Area median income: $97,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Akron, OH MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $797 – $975
- 1 bedroom $857 – $1,047
- 2 bedrooms $1,108 – $1,354
- 3 bedrooms $1,327 – $1,621
- 4 bedrooms $1,456 – $1,780
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
- Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,951 vouchers · 295 public housing units (330) 297-1489 Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority: info@portagehousing.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 Portage County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Asian Services in Action, Inc. (ASIA)
730 Carroll Street, Akron · 17 miles away
Also serves in Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin Chinese, and other languages.
- Budget and financial counseling
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 6 more
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East Akron Neighborhood Development Corp.
550 S Arlington St, Akron · 17 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
-
Asian Akron Office 2
370 E Market St, Akron · 17 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 Portage 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
$2,462
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,231
- Security deposit
- $1,231
- Total
- $2,462
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 Portage County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $886; 1 bedroom: $952; 2 bedrooms: $1,231; 3 bedrooms: $1,474; 4 bedrooms: $1,618. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Portage County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,231) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.67 an hour full time, or $49,240 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Portage County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,550 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 Portage 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 $1,108 and $1,354 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Portage County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 44412 to $1,850 in 44202. 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 Portage County?
HUD lists 35 properties with homes for low-income households in Portage 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 Portage County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Portage County, 55% of renter households are in that position; in Ohio, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).