Location: Marion County, OH | Metro: Hardin County, OH
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 | $870 |
| 1 Bedroom | $880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,682 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,035 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,137 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $880 | $99,691 | 0.88% | C |
| 2BR | $1,000 | $132,289 | 0.76% | D |
| 3BR | $1,290 | $195,841 | 0.66% | D |
| 4BR | $1,450 | $222,754 | 0.65% | D |
| 5BR | $1,682 | $323,328 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 43326, Kenton, Ohio, is set at $970 per month for the fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for a Section 8 rental unit in this area. It's important to note that this is the payment standard, not the actual rent you'll receive from your tenants.
In comparison, the average rent for the same ZIP code, according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS), is $645 per month. This indicates that the FMR for Section 8 is higher than the typical market rate, which can be beneficial for landlords looking to cover their costs and make a profit.
The renter share in Kenton is 21.9%, meaning nearly one in every five residents are likely to be looking for rental housing. This provides a steady demand for rental properties, including those under the Section 8 program.
If you're considering acquiring a property in this area for a Section 8 rental, the median home value is around $174,201. This gives you an idea of the initial investment required to purchase a property suitable for a Section 8 tenant. However, it's crucial to remember that the ongoing income from the rental will be based on the FMR, not the property's value.
Before proceeding with a Section 8 rental, ensure that the property meets all the necessary inspection criteria. The Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection is mandatory and must be passed for the unit to be eligible for Section 8 tenancy. This includes checking for safety issues, structural problems, and compliance with local codes.
With these specifics in mind, the FMR of $970 can help offset the initial acquisition cost of approximately $174,201, making Section 8 a viable option for your first rental in Kenton, Ohio.
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.