Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Wayne County, Ohio
Wayne County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,082 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $881 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.81 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,082
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 15% less than in Ohio
- Typical rent
- $881
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 15% less than in Ohio
- Wage needed
- $20.81
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $43,280 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 34%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 26% less than in Ohio
Only here
Renting in Wayne County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Wayne County has the 7th smallest share of rent-burdened renters of the 87 counties in Ohio with this figure (34%).
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13% of households in Wayne County have no internet at home, against 7% in Ohio.
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 Wayne 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 Wayne County was $1,416 a month in September 2026: 2.7% 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 | $753 | $14.48 | $30,120 |
| 1 bedroom | $846 | $16.27 | $33,840 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,082 | $20.81 | $43,280 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,310 | $25.19 | $52,400 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,530 | $29.42 | $61,200 |
HUD area: Wayne County, OH. 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 26 ZIP codes in Wayne County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 44287 to $1,320 in 44645. 11 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,082).
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)
| 44214 | Cleveland, OH | $790 | $890 | $1,130 | $1,370 | $1,590 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44214 | Wayne County, OH | $790 | $890 | $1,130 | $1,370 | $1,590 |
| 44217 | Cleveland, OH | $780 | $870 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,560 |
| 44217 | Wayne County, OH | $780 | $870 | $1,110 | $1,350 | $1,560 |
| 44230 | Akron, OH | $720 | $810 | $1,030 | $1,250 | $1,460 |
| 44230 | Cleveland, OH | $720 | $810 | $1,030 | $1,250 | $1,460 |
| 44230 | Wayne County, OH | $720 | $810 | $1,030 | $1,250 | $1,460 |
| 44270 | Cleveland, OH | $720 | $810 | $1,030 | $1,250 | $1,450 |
| 44270 | Wayne County, OH | $720 | $810 | $1,030 | $1,250 | $1,450 |
| 44276 | Wayne County, OH | $750 | $840 | $1,070 | $1,300 | $1,510 |
| 44287 | Ashland County, OH | $720 | $810 | $1,000 | $1,260 | $1,420 |
| 44287 | Cleveland, OH | $720 | $810 | $1,000 | $1,260 | $1,420 |
| 44287 | Wayne County, OH | $720 | $810 | $1,000 | $1,260 | $1,420 |
| 44606 | Wayne County, OH | $700 | $780 | $1,000 | $1,210 | $1,420 |
| 44618 | Canton-Massillon, OH | $720 | $810 | $1,040 | $1,260 | $1,460 |
| 44618 | Wayne County, OH | $720 | $810 | $1,040 | $1,260 | $1,460 |
| 44645 | Akron, OH | $920 | $1,030 | $1,320 | $1,600 | $1,860 |
| 44645 | Canton-Massillon, OH | $920 | $1,030 | $1,320 | $1,600 | $1,860 |
| 44645 | Wayne County, OH | $920 | $1,030 | $1,320 | $1,600 | $1,860 |
| 44659 | Wayne County, OH | $710 | $800 | $1,020 | $1,250 | $1,420 |
| 44667 | Wayne County, OH | $760 | $850 | $1,090 | $1,320 | $1,540 |
| 44676 | Holmes County, OH | $720 | $800 | $1,020 | $1,240 | $1,430 |
| 44676 | Wayne County, OH | $720 | $800 | $1,020 | $1,240 | $1,430 |
| 44677 | Wayne County, OH | $770 | $860 | $1,100 | $1,330 | $1,560 |
| 44691 | Ashland County, OH | $790 | $880 | $1,130 | $1,370 | $1,600 |
| 44691 | Wayne County, OH | $790 | $880 | $1,130 | $1,370 | $1,600 |
- 44214 · Cleveland, OH $1,130$1,370
- 44214 · Wayne County, OH $1,130$1,370
- 44217 · Cleveland, OH $1,110$1,350
- 44217 · Wayne County, OH $1,110$1,350
- 44230 · Akron, OH $1,030$1,250
- 44230 · Cleveland, OH $1,030$1,250
- 44230 · Wayne County, OH $1,030$1,250
- 44270 · Cleveland, OH $1,030$1,250
- 44270 · Wayne County, OH $1,030$1,250
- 44276 · Wayne County, OH $1,070$1,300
- 44287 · Ashland County, OH $1,000$1,260
- 44287 · Cleveland, OH $1,000$1,260
- 44287 · Wayne County, OH $1,000$1,260
- 44606 · Wayne County, OH $1,000$1,210
- 44618 · Canton-Massillon, OH $1,040$1,260
- 44618 · Wayne County, OH $1,040$1,260
- 44645 · Akron, OH $1,320$1,600
- 44645 · Canton-Massillon, OH $1,320$1,600
- 44645 · Wayne County, OH $1,320$1,600
- 44659 · Wayne County, OH $1,020$1,250
- 44667 · Wayne County, OH $1,090$1,320
- 44676 · Holmes County, OH $1,020$1,240
- 44676 · Wayne County, OH $1,020$1,240
- 44677 · Wayne County, OH $1,100$1,330
- 44691 · Ashland County, OH $1,130$1,370
- 44691 · Wayne County, OH $1,130$1,370
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 Wayne County, 34% 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.
34%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
10,400 households rent in Wayne County
- Spend half or more of their income 16%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 18%
- Spend less than 30% 66%
Compared with the state and the country
- Wayne 34%
- Ohio 46%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Wayne County
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Wayne 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)
- 9
- HUD-assisted
- 11
- public housing
- 2
1,006 homes in all; 819 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Hi-Rises Public housing 200 S Market St, Wooster 44691 121 homes, 120 low-income · Run by Wayne Metropolitian Housing Authority · Average payment: $379 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (330) 264-2727
- Scattered Sites Public housing 1354 Perkins Ave, Wooster 44691 104 low-income homes · Run by Wayne Metropolitian Housing Authority · Average payment: $408 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (330) 264-2727
- Summit Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1855 Mechanicsburg Rd, Wooster 44691 71 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 41 · In service since 1995
- Palm House HUD-assisted 1183 Rebecca St, Wooster 44691 62 low-income homes · For families · (330) 262-5582
- College Hills Retirement Village HUD-assisted 905 Portage Rd, Wooster 44691 141 homes, 60 low-income · For older adults · (330) 264-3509
- Orrvilla Manor I HUD-assisted 425 Orrvilla Dr, Orrville 44667 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (330) 683-4455
- Wooster Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 2222 Melrose Dr, Wooster 44691 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 1995
- Creston Station Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 227 Coulter St, Creston 44217 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2008 · For older adults, families · (330) 435-4502
- Secrest Village HUD-assisted 3666 Secrest Rd, Wooster 44691 45 low-income homes · For older adults · (330) 264-2727
- Wooster Housing for the Elderly HUD-assisted 2216 Melrose Dr, Wooster 44691 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (330) 262-6061
- Orchard Glen Tax credit (LIHTC) 1325 Clay Ct, Orrville 44667 32 low-income homes · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 22 · In service since 2009
- West Salem Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 63 Centennial Dr, West Salem 44287 32 low-income homes · In service since 1987
- Carriage Landings Tax credit (LIHTC) 303 Collier Dr, Doylestown 44230 28 low-income homes · In service since 1988
- Pigeon Creek I HUD-assisted 2320 Melrose Dr, Wooster 44691 26 low-income homes · For older adults · (330) 697-0817
- Wooster Interfaith Project 1 HUD-assisted 132 N Columbus Ave, Wooster 44691 16 low-income homes · For families · (330) 264-8791
- Wrens Way HUD-assisted 2250 Melrose Dr, Wooster 44691 14 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (330) 434-4141
- Pelican Place Apts HUD-assisted 2374 Melrose Dr, Wooster 44691 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Wooster Lofts HUD-assisted 1958 Akron Rd, Wooster 44691 52 homes, 6 low-income · For families · (330) 804-0150
- Nold Tax credit (LIHTC) 347 Nold Ave, Wooster 44691 3 low-income homes · In service since 1990
- Palmer Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 126 Palmer St, Wooster 44691 1 low-income home · In service since 1988
- Palm House Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1173 Rebecca St, Wooster 44691 58 homes · In service since 2014 · For families
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 Wayne 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 Wayne 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 | $18,750 | $31,200 | $49,950 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $35,650 | $57,050 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $40,100 | $64,200 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $44,550 | $71,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $48,150 | $77,050 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $51,700 | $82,750 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $55,250 | $88,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $58,850 | $94,150 |
Area median income: $89,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Wayne County, OH. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $678 – $828
- 1 bedroom $761 – $931
- 2 bedrooms $974 – $1,190
- 3 bedrooms $1,179 – $1,441
- 4 bedrooms $1,377 – $1,683
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
- Wayne Metropolitian Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 966 vouchers · 224 public housing units (330) 264-2727 Wayne Metropolitian Housing Authority: rmitchell@waynemha.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 Wayne 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 · 23 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 · 25 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 3 more
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East Akron Neighborhood Development Corp.
550 S Arlington St, Akron · 26 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Wayne 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
$2,164
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,082
- Security deposit
- $1,082
- Total
- $2,164
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 Wayne County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $753; 1 bedroom: $846; 2 bedrooms: $1,082; 3 bedrooms: $1,310; 4 bedrooms: $1,530. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Wayne County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,082) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.81 an hour full time, or $43,280 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Wayne County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $44,550 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 Wayne 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 $974 and $1,190 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Wayne County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 44287 to $1,320 in 44645. 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 Wayne County?
HUD lists 21 properties with homes for low-income households in Wayne 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 Wayne County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Wayne County, 34% of renter households are in that position; in Ohio, 46%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).