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 | $1,600 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,770 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,213 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,599 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,887 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,081 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,040 | $330,188 | 0.62% | D |
| 3BR | $2,430 | $465,300 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $2,770 | $563,674 | 0.49% | F |
| 5BR | $3,213 | $663,685 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP 43074, Sunbury, OH, are straightforward when you understand the components involved. For a two-bedroom rental unit, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for FY 2024 is set at $1,600. This figure is specific to this ZIP code and reflects the maximum amount that the housing authority will reimburse landlords under the Section 8 program.
The local market rent, as measured by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), is currently $1,526. This indicates that the SAFMR is slightly higher than the average market rent in the area, which can be advantageous for landlords participating in the program.
A Section 8 voucher does not cover the entire rent amount. Instead, it reimburses the landlord for the difference between the tenant's contribution and the SAFMR. The tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. For example, if a tenant's adjusted income is $2,000 per month, they would pay $600 toward rent. The remainder of the rent up to the SAFMR is covered by the voucher.
In addition to the base rent, there are utility allowances that can vary based on the type of utilities used in the property. These allowances are typically lower than the actual utility costs, so landlords should factor this into their budgeting. Utility allowances are designed to help cover the cost of utilities but do not fully offset them.
To illustrate, let's assume the total rent including utilities is $1,600. If the tenant pays $600, the voucher will cover the remaining $1,000. However, if the actual utility costs exceed the allowance, the landlord must absorb the difference.
Given the SAFMR of $1,600 and the local market rent of $1,526, landlords in ZIP 43074 may find themselves with a slight surplus. This is because the voucher reimbursement is pegged to the SAFMR, which is higher than the current market rent. Thus, landlords could potentially receive more than the average market rate for a two-bedroom unit.
However, landlords should be aware that the actual reimbursement can vary depending on the tenant's income. In ZIP 43074, the typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom unit is a surplus of approximately $74, assuming the tenant's portion remains consistent with the average income levels in the area.
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.