Location: Muskingum County, 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 | $1,130 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,210 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,950 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,262 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,533 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,736 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,873 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,440 | $260,415 | 0.55% | F |
| 3BR | $1,720 | $300,508 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $1,950 | $403,930 | 0.48% | F |
| 5BR | $2,262 | $515,747 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 43056, located in Heath, OH, within the Muskingum County, OH metro area, does indeed work favorably for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1200 for fiscal year 2024 exceeds the current market rent of $1,156 as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). This means that landlords can potentially charge above the market rate without significantly deterring tenants.
Acquisition in this area is moderately affordable. With a median home value of $303,485, potential investors have a clear benchmark for property costs. The lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the low 0.2% price-cut share suggest that homes in this ZIP code are generally selling close to their asking price, indicating a stable market where properties do not linger long on the market nor require significant discounts to sell.
Tenant demand is present but not overwhelming. The total population of 17,637 includes a substantial 21.5% who are renters. This percentage translates into a manageable number of potential tenants, ensuring a steady stream of rental inquiries and a reasonable occupancy rate for landlords.
Verdict: ZIP 43056 presents a viable investment opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The favorable rent math, moderate affordability for acquisitions, and sufficient tenant demand make it a promising area to invest in. However, the relatively low renter share suggests that competition among landlords could be intense, necessitating efficient property management practices to maintain occupancy levels and maximize returns.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.