Location: Logan County, OH | Metro: Champaign 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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $210,596 | 0.47% | F |
| 3BR | $1,220 | $311,373 | 0.39% | F |
| 4BR | $1,340 | $368,597 | 0.36% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 43357, located in West Liberty, Ohio, is part of Logan County and has a unique demographic profile that sets it apart from other areas. With a population of 4,899 residents, 21.2% of whom rent their homes, this ZIP code boasts a median household income of $92,448 and a median home value of $300,247.
The rental market in West Liberty is influenced by the disparity between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. For fiscal year 2026, the FMR for a metropolitan area like West Liberty is set at $970. However, the Census American Community Survey (ACS) indicates that the average market rent is $706. This difference can be significant for landlords and small-portfolio investors who rely on Section 8 vouchers. The lower market rent suggests that landlords may have to accept slightly lower rents if they wish to attract tenants using vouchers, but the gap also provides an opportunity to negotiate rates closer to the FMR when voucher holders are available.
The data signature for ZIP 43357 reads as stable. The relatively high median income and median home value indicate a solid economic foundation within the community. Additionally, the rental percentage, while not exceptionally high, suggests a steady demand for rental properties. Landlords and investors should consider the local rental dynamics carefully, particularly the potential for leveraging Section 8 vouchers to fill units without compromising significantly on rental income.
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.