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 | $1,300 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,390 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,598 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,910 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,143 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,300 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,650 | $298,478 | 0.55% | F |
| 3BR | $1,970 | $439,969 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $2,240 | $544,404 | 0.41% | F |
| 5BR | $2,598 | $697,969 | 0.37% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 43214, located in Columbus, OH, within Franklin County and the Columbus, OH HUD Metro FMR area, reveals a clear gap between the HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. The HUD FMR for ZIP 43214 is set at $1310 for fiscal year 2024, while the market rent, as indicated by ZORI (Zillow's Estimated Rental Income), stands at $1627. This discrepancy means that voucher tenants will only cashflow marginally at the FMR rate, requiring landlords to seek out premium units or slightly overprice their FMR rates to ensure positive cashflow.
To further understand the investment landscape, the median home value in ZIP 43214 is $402,925. Using this figure, we can derive the rent-to-price ratio, which is approximately 0.4%. This ratio suggests that the rental market is relatively stable compared to the housing market, but it also indicates that property values might be high relative to rental income, potentially affecting the overall return on investment.
The dynamics of the local real estate market also play a role in investment decisions. With a 10-day median Days on Market (DOM) and a mere 0.2% of listings experiencing price cuts, the buy market appears to be robust and efficient. However, these metrics do not significantly impact the decision-making process for Section 8 investors, who are primarily concerned with the ability to cashflow and the stability of rental income.
In conclusion, the strongest investor angle in ZIP 43214 for Section 8 properties is stability. While cashflow is marginal at the FMR rate, the low Days on Market and minimal price cut percentages indicate a strong and consistent demand for housing, which translates into reliable rental income streams for investors.
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.