Location: Union 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 | $1,030 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,110 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,100 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,352 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,540 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,667 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,340 | $348,382 | 0.38% | F |
| 3BR | $1,600 | $484,046 | 0.33% | F |
| 4BR | $1,810 | $601,858 | 0.3% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 43061, located in Ostrander, Ohio, stands out in Delaware County due to its unique data profile. With a population of 4,921 residents, only 2.5% of whom are renters, it is predominantly a homeowner's community. The median income here is notably high at $157,568, reflecting a prosperous local economy. The median home value in this area is even higher, sitting at $499,480, indicating a strong property market.
Despite the low rental rate, the voucher economics in ZIP 43061 present an interesting opportunity. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,080, which is significantly lower than the market rent of $1,305 as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). This gap suggests that landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers could still maintain competitive rents while benefiting from the federal assistance program.
The data signature of ZIP 43061 reads as stable. The high median income and median home values indicate a consistent economic environment where residents can afford substantial mortgage payments. The low percentage of renters also implies that the housing market is dominated by homeowners, who typically provide greater stability compared to a high-renter market. However, the potential for landlords to attract tenants through Section 8 vouchers offers a transitional element, particularly if they aim to diversify their investment portfolio into the rental sector.
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.