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 | $1,110 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,216 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,681 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,815 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,410 | $264,381 | 0.53% | F |
| 3BR | $1,680 | $357,169 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $1,910 | $450,524 | 0.42% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 43154, located in Stoutsville, Ohio, has a population of 3,367 individuals. Only 7.4% of this population are renters, indicating that this is primarily a homeowner-dominated area rather than a renter-heavy ZIP. This means that the demand for rental properties using Section 8 vouchers is likely to be relatively low.
The median household income in ZIP 43154 stands at $91,250. The average market rent for the area is $1,134, which represents approximately 15.2% of the median household income. This calculation is derived from dividing the average rent by the median income and multiplying by 100 to get the percentage. For context, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, as set by HUD for FY 2024, is $1,190, slightly higher than the current market rent.
A landlord in ZIP 43154 can expect tenants who are likely to be part of the lower-income bracket but still above the federal poverty level. Given the low percentage of renters and the relatively high median income, those utilizing Section 8 vouchers are probably working families whose combined income qualifies them for assistance but who do not represent the lowest economic tier of the community. The typical tenant would be someone whose rent constitutes a significant portion of their income, yet they still have financial stability outside of housing costs.
To summarize, while there is a presence of Section 8 tenants in ZIP 43154, the overall rental market is not heavily reliant on voucher programs due to the area's predominantly homeowner composition and relatively high median income levels. Landlords should anticipate a tenant pool that is financially stable enough to cover additional living expenses beyond rent, but still requires assistance to meet housing costs.
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.