Location: Hocking County, OH | Metro: Hocking County, 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 | $1,100 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,800 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,920 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,227 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,494 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,694 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,829 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,800 | $374,909 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A skeptical investor considering ZIP 43149 might raise several valid concerns regarding the feasibility of investing in this area. Let's address these objections head-on using the available data.
Objection 1: Will Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1110 cover the mortgage on a $345,863 home?
The FMR is an important metric that reflects the average rental price for a modest home in a given area. In ZIP 43149, the FMR for 2024 is set at $1110. To determine if this will cover the mortgage, we need to look at typical mortgage rates and terms. Assuming a standard 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at a current average rate of around 5%, the monthly mortgage payment on a $345,863 home would be approximately $1875. This means that the FMR alone is insufficient to cover the mortgage payment by $765 per month. An investor would need to consider additional sources of income or lower the purchase price to align with the FMR.
Objection 2: Is there enough renter demand at 14.0%?
The percentage of renters in ZIP 43149 is reported at 14.0%. This figure represents the proportion of households that are likely to seek rental properties. While 14.0% indicates a smaller pool of potential renters compared to areas with higher percentages, it still represents a significant number of households. However, the data does not provide a complete picture of the rental market dynamics, such as vacancy rates, tenant turnover, or the competition from other rental properties. To fully assess demand, an investor would need to conduct further research into these factors.
Objection 3: Will vouchers keep pace with market rents of $1,046?
Vouchers are a critical component of the rental market in many areas, particularly those with affordable housing needs. The question here is whether the voucher amounts will match the $1,046 market rent in ZIP 43149. According to HUD guidelines, voucher amounts can vary widely based on local conditions and the specific circumstances of tenants. Without specific data on the average voucher amount in ZIP 43149, it's difficult to make a definitive statement. However, historically, voucher amounts have often lagged behind market rents, which could mean that landlords might receive less than the full market rent. Investors should prepare for the possibility of receiving less than the $1,046 market rent and consider the implications on their cash flow and investment returns.
In summary, while ZIP 43149 presents certain challenges, such as the gap between FMR and mortgage payments, and limited data on renter demand and voucher adequacy, it also offers opportunities for investors willing to carefully manage their expectations and strategies. The key is to balance the risks with the rewards and to continuously monitor the local market conditions.
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.