Location: Columbus, OH | Metro: Columbus, OH 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 | $1,510 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,610 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,016 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,378 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,648 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,830 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,920 | $223,483 | 0.86% | C |
| 3BR | $2,290 | $356,316 | 0.64% | D |
| 4BR | $2,600 | $502,783 | 0.52% | F |
| 5BR | $3,016 | $643,718 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Hilliard (ZIP 43026) presents itself as a stable, family-centric suburb characterized by well-maintained residential neighborhoods and a strong emphasis on education. The community is known for its top-rated school district and convenient access to major retail corridors, making it a draw for households seeking balance between urban proximity and suburban quiet. Local economic anchors include the presence of major operations for companies like Amazon, which provides significant employment base that supports the area's housing stability.
From a financial perspective, the math reveals a tight but workable spread for Section 8 operators. The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2BR unit is set at $1,680, while the current market rent sits at $1,512, resulting in a premium of $168 per month for voucher holders. With a median home value of $379,612 and median days on market at 56, the asset class moves at a moderate pace. The gap between the HUD payment and market rent indicates that voucher tenants can actually out-pay standard market rates in this specific ZIP.
The tenant pool here is robust, underpinned by a median household income of $111,440. While only 31.7% of residents rent, the high income suggests that even the renting demographic is financially stable, reducing the risk of default often associated with lower-income voucher tenants. The demand is further bolstered by the highly acclaimed Hilliard City School District and the Heritage Trail network, which are significant draws for families utilizing housing assistance to access quality education and amenities.
The Section 8 verdict for Hilliard 43026 is positive for investors prioritizing stability and asset appreciation over aggressive cash flow. The specific data supporting this angle is the HUD SAFMR exceeding market rent by $168, which ensures landlords receive the maximum allowable payment relative to the neighborhood’s standard. While the high home value creates a barrier to entry, the combination of a premium voucher rate and a high-income local economy offers a defensive investment with strong occupancy potential.
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.