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 | $1,280 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,370 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,940 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,564 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,872 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,102 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,257 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,630 | $157,535 | 1.03% | B |
| 3BR | $1,940 | $206,626 | 0.94% | C |
| 4BR | $2,210 | $298,455 | 0.74% | D |
| 5BR | $2,564 | $266,468 | 0.96% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP code 43219 in Columbus, OH, are significant and should be carefully considered. Tenant turnover is a critical issue, with the market rent at $1,274 being slightly higher than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,270 for FY 2024. This discrepancy suggests that tenants might struggle to afford market rates when their vouchers expire, leading to frequent turnover.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The Days on Market (DOM) figure is listed as N/A, which implies a lack of data on how quickly rental properties are filled. In a competitive market, extended vacancy periods can result in significant financial losses for landlords.
Deferred maintenance poses a substantial risk due to the relatively low median income of $52,094 compared to the typical home value of $189,012. Landlords may find themselves responsible for costly repairs and upgrades that are not covered by the program, especially if the property has been neglected. This imbalance between property values and income levels can strain budgets and reduce profitability.
Despite these challenges, the high renter share of 61.8% indicates strong demand for rental housing in the area. A large number of renters typically translates into higher demand for Section 8 vouchers, which can provide a steady stream of qualified tenants. This high density of renters supports the argument that there will be a consistent pool of voucher holders seeking housing, potentially offsetting some of the risks associated with turnover and vacancy.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.