Location: Fayette 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 | $950 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,914 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,316 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,432 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,210 | $200,658 | 0.6% | D |
| 3BR | $1,460 | $302,449 | 0.48% | F |
| 4BR | $1,650 | $371,317 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
16.3% of residents in ZIP 43143 (Mount Sterling, OH) are renters, indicating a modest demand for rental properties. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, as set by HUD for zip FY 2024, stands at $1120, which serves as a benchmark for rental pricing. In comparison, the actual market rent reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) is $853, suggesting landlords can potentially increase their rents to align with the FMR without losing tenants. However, the median home value in the area is $288,872, reflecting a stable housing market where property values have not been inflated to unsustainable levels.
$100,333 is the median income for households in Mount Sterling, OH, providing insight into the financial capabilities of potential tenants. While this figure is above the national average, it does not necessarily translate into higher rental rates due to the local market dynamics. The absence of specific data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut indicates a relatively stable real estate market, without significant fluctuations that might affect investment decisions.
In summary, the ZIP 43143 presents a balanced opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. With a fair market rent of $1120 and a current market rent of $853, there is room to adjust rental prices upwards while still being competitive. The median income of $100,333 supports the possibility of attracting financially stable tenants. Given these factors, the area is eligible for Section 8 housing vouchers, making it a viable option for investors looking to tap into government-assisted rental markets.
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.