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 | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $970 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,189 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,298 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,150 | $239,443 | 0.48% | F |
| 3BR | $1,370 | $384,629 | 0.36% | F |
| 4BR | $1,560 | $500,078 | 0.31% | F |
| 5BR | $1,810 | $601,157 | 0.3% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 43105, located in Baltimore, OH, falls within the Columbus, OH HUD Metro FMR Area. For the fiscal year 2024, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 43105 is set at $1,050. This compares favorably to the Columbus, OH HUD Metro FMR Area where the FMR for a similar unit is $1,302, according to RentData.org. The market rent in ZIP 43105 is $903, which is lower than the Columbus area's market rent.
Baltimore, OH has a median home value of $397,984, which is below the typical home values found in other ZIP codes within the Columbus, OH HUD Metro FMR Area. The renter share in ZIP 43105 is 20.4%, indicating a moderate concentration of renters relative to homeowners. In the broader Columbus, OH HUD Metro FMR Area, the renter share is likely higher due to the city's larger population and urban dynamics.
The combination of a lower FMR and market rent, coupled with a below-average home value and a moderate renter share, suggests that ZIP 43105 could be considered a value pocket within its metro. It offers landlords and small-portfolio investors an opportunity to acquire properties at a potentially lower cost while still benefiting from rental income supported by Section 8 vouchers. However, the slightly higher FMR compared to market rent might indicate some upward pressure on rental costs in the area.
Note that the divergence between FMR and market rent can signal potential areas for investment. When FMRs are higher than market rents, it often means that Section 8 tenants can find homes more easily, which is beneficial for landlords who can receive higher voucher payments. This makes ZIP 43105 particularly attractive for those interested in Section 8 tenancy, given the disparity between its FMR and actual market rent.
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.