Location: Seneca County, OH | Metro: Sandusky 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 | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,531 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,715 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,852 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,945 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $158,650 | 0.63% | D |
| 3BR | $1,230 | $211,020 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $1,320 | $235,175 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP 43410, located in Clyde, OH, within the Seneca County, OH metro area, reveals key insights for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The first question addresses whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $970 for fiscal year 2026, significantly exceeds the current market rent of $750 according to the Census ACS. This gap suggests that landlords might struggle to justify higher rents based on the current market conditions, unless they can offer properties with superior amenities or location advantages.
The second question concerns the affordability of property acquisition. With a median home value of $187,219, the cost of acquiring a rental property is relatively low compared to many other areas. However, the lack of data regarding days on the market (DOM) and the percentage of homes sold with price cuts indicates a need for caution. Without these figures, it's difficult to assess the liquidity of the housing market and the potential for negotiating better purchase prices.
The third question looks at tenant demand. ZIP 43410 has a population of 10,220, with 27.4% of residents being renters. This share translates to approximately 2,804 tenants, which represents a modest but stable tenant pool. Given the size of the town, landlords should focus on maintaining competitive rental rates and ensuring their properties meet local standards to attract and retain tenants.
Verdict: While the median home value presents an affordable entry point for acquisition, the disparity between FMR and market rent poses a challenge for landlords aiming to maximize income. The moderate tenant share suggests a steady demand for rentals, but the lack of detailed market data makes it crucial for investors to conduct thorough due diligence before committing to this market. Focus on quality management and competitive pricing to succeed in ZIP 43410.
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.