Location: Marion County, 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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,100 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,100 | $192,483 | 0.57% | F |
| 3BR | $1,310 | $289,852 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $1,450 | $311,021 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 43344, located in Richwood, OH, within the Marion County, OH metro area, serves as a strong cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 43344 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1070, which is notably higher than the market rent of $830. This $240 spread per unit represents a significant advantage for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
The median home value in ZIP 43344 stands at $256,089. While this figure is relatively high compared to some other areas, the guaranteed rental income from the Section 8 program ensures steady cash flow, regardless of the local real estate market conditions. This makes ZIP 43344 an attractive location for securing reliable returns on investment.
Despite the lack of specific data regarding appreciation potential, such as price-cut shares and days on market (DOM), the focus should remain on the cash-flow benefits that ZIP 43344 offers. The guaranteed rent through the Section 8 program provides a level of financial stability that can be leveraged to offset risks associated with property value fluctuations in other parts of a landlord's portfolio.
The 19.1% renter share indicates a moderate presence of renters in the area, while the median income of $80,909 suggests a stable economic base. These factors support the notion that ZIP 43344 is a solid choice for landlords looking to maintain consistent cash flow without relying heavily on appreciation plays.
In conclusion, ZIP 43344 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy due to the substantial difference between the FMR and market rent, ensuring a positive spread that can significantly bolster a landlord's financial position.
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.