Location: Cincinnati, OH | Metro: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN HUD Metro FMR Area
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,060 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,130 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,150 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,494 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,016 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,167 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,450 | $257,204 | 0.56% | F |
| 3BR | $1,910 | $374,590 | 0.51% | F |
| 4BR | $2,150 | $573,229 | 0.38% | F |
| 5BR | $2,494 | $773,599 | 0.32% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP code 41075, located in Fort Thomas, KY, within the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN HUD Metro FMR Area, does not favor Section 8 participation. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1210 for fiscal year 2024 is significantly lower than the market rent, which stands at $1,358 as indicated by the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI). This discrepancy means that landlords would receive less income under the Section 8 program compared to the prevailing market rates.
Regarding acquisition affordability, the median home value of $370,022 presents a substantial barrier for potential investors looking to acquire properties. However, the fact that there is no available data on days on market (DOM) and only a 0.3% share of homes requiring price cuts suggests that the local real estate market is stable, with homes selling without significant discounts or delays.
Tenant demand in the area is moderate. With a total population of 17,240, and 28.9% of residents being renters, there is a reasonable pool of potential tenants for landlords. This indicates that while there is a need for rental housing, it is not overwhelming, and landlords should ensure their properties meet the criteria to attract these renters.
In summary, ZIP code 41075 does not present an optimal environment for Section 8 participation due to the unfavorable rent math. Despite the high median home value, the local real estate market appears stable, making acquisitions feasible but costly. There is a moderate tenant demand, which supports the viability of rental investments, but the overall financial attractiveness for Section 8 landlords is limited given the lower reimbursement rates compared to market rents.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.