Location: Champaign County, OH | Metro: Champaign County, OH
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 | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,636 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,832 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,979 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,078 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $179,913 | 0.56% | F |
| 3BR | $1,300 | $273,990 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $1,410 | $317,764 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 43072, encompassing parts of Saint Paris, OH, is a modest-sized community with a population of 5,253 residents. Only 19.8% of these residents are renters, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied area. The median household income here stands at $76,375, reflecting a middle-class community. Homes in this area are valued at a median of $241,047, suggesting a stable residential market where property values are reasonable yet not excessively low.
Turning to the economic landscape for rental properties, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 43072, set for metro areas in fiscal year 2026, is $970. This contrasts with the actual market rent, which according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, averages $809. The gap between the FMR and the market rent presents an opportunity for landlords and investors who can leverage the higher allowable rent under the Section 8 program to enhance their profitability.
Given these conditions, ZIP 43072 is well-suited for both hands-off voucher operators and hands-on value-add buyers. For those seeking a passive income stream, the stability of the Section 8 program ensures a steady flow of rental income without the need for extensive property management. Meanwhile, for investors willing to engage more actively, there is potential to increase property values and rents over time, given the favorable economic backdrop and the existing disparity between FMR and market rates. Both strategies can be successful, depending on the investor's goals and level of involvement they wish to have in the local real estate market.
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.