Location: Hocking County, OH | Metro: Columbus, OH HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,040 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,120 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,800 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,088 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,339 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,526 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,652 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Lancaster (ZIP 43130) serves as a historic micropolitan hub balancing small-town charm with growing logistics and healthcare sectors. The local economy is anchored by major employers such as Anchor Hocking, a long-standing glassware manufacturer, and the Fairfield Medical Center, which provides stable jobs and draws residents to the area. The city features a walkable downtown square with local shops and eateries, while recent developments have expanded retail options along the corridor. This blend of historic stability and local employment creates a distinct, community-focused environment ideal for long-term residential holdings.
From a financial perspective, the data reveals a tight spread between subsidies and market rates. The FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,170, while the current market rent sits at $1,288, resulting in a gap of $118. With a median home value of $271,923 and a median 2BR sale price of $187,221, acquisition costs are relatively moderate. Properties move briskly, evidenced by a median days on market of just 40 days. Based strictly on the numbers, standard voucher tenants do not quite achieve full cash-flow parity with market-rate leases here, though the difference is manageable.
Demand is supported by a solid tenant profile, as the area has a renter share of 32.2% and a median household income of $72,153. This income level suggests that while many residents can afford market rents, there remains a significant population needing affordable housing options, including Housing Choice Vouchers. The presence of highly-rated schools within the Lancaster City School District adds appeal for families, while the absence of extensive public transit emphasizes the value of single-family rentals near major employers like the medical center.
The strongest investor angle in Lancaster 43130 is stability and appreciation rather than aggressive cash-flow. The modest rent gap and the 40-day turnover rate indicate a competitive, liquid market where properties retain value. Investors should view Section 8 as a reliable baseline for occupancy rather than a premium strategy, leveraging the area's employer base and school district to maintain asset quality over time.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.