Location: Sandusky County, OH | Metro: Toledo, OH MSA
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 | $1,250 |
| 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 | $161,178 | 0.62% | D |
| 3BR | $1,250 | $219,398 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $1,320 | $249,558 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In evaluating the investment risk of becoming a Section 8 landlord in ZIP code 43431, located in Gibsonburg, Ohio, several factors must be considered that could lead to potential issues. Firstly, tenant turnover poses a significant challenge. The market rent in the area stands at $625, while the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 is set at $920. This discrepancy suggests that tenants might prefer the higher rental support provided by vouchers, leading to higher turnover rates among non-voucher tenants who cannot afford the market rent.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. With no data available on the average days on market (DOM), it's difficult to predict how quickly a unit can be filled. However, the lack of timely information on vacancy rates implies that there could be periods where units remain unoccupied, resulting in lost revenue until a new tenant is found.
The risk of deferred maintenance is also noteworthy. Given the typical home value of $199,255 and the median income of $77,526, homeowners and landlords might struggle to maintain their properties to the required standards without financial strain. This could result in additional costs for landlords to ensure compliance with Section 8 property requirements.
Despite these risks, the high concentration of renters—comprising 13.8% of the local population—indicates strong demand for housing assistance. A higher renter share generally translates to greater interest in voucher programs, which can provide a steady stream of tenants and mitigate some of the financial uncertainties associated with the rental market.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.