Location: Knox 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 | $1,040 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,130 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,820 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,111 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,364 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,553 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,681 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,350 | $213,820 | 0.63% | D |
| 3BR | $1,630 | $311,063 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $1,820 | $404,594 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 thesis for ZIP code 43080, centered around Utica, OH, highlights a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1130 for fiscal year 2024 and the actual market rent reported at $789 according to the Census ACS. This gap amounts to $341, representing a 29.9% difference between what voucher holders can pay and the current market rates.
The discrepancy indicates that landlords and small-portfolio investors in Utica, OH can leverage this situation to their advantage. Despite the market rent being lower than the FMR, the guaranteed payment structure of Section 8 vouchers ensures a stable and predictable income stream. The FMR is higher than the market rent, meaning landlords can receive a subsidy that bridges the gap between the two figures. This makes the area a yield play for investors who understand the mechanics of the Housing Choice Voucher program.
In Utica, OH, where 20.9% of residents are renters and the median income stands at $87,301, the median home value of $282,588 suggests a mixed residential landscape. However, the rental market, particularly for those utilizing Section 8 vouchers, operates under a different economic principle. The government's commitment to paying up to $1130 per month provides an opportunity for landlords to receive rents above the local market average without the risk associated with traditional rental agreements.
Investors should be aware of the administrative responsibilities that come with accepting Section 8 vouchers. These include maintaining properties to certain standards, undergoing regular inspections, and adhering to federal guidelines. However, the financial benefits—receiving a rent that is higher than the local market rate—can outweigh these costs, especially when considering the low vacancy rates typical in areas with a substantial number of voucher holders.
Utica, OH's rental market, therefore, presents a unique opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. By participating in the Section 8 program, they can secure rental income that is both above the market rate and more stable than typical market fluctuations, making it a strategic choice for yield-focused investments.
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.