Location: Sandusky 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,566 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,894 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,989 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,020 | $188,428 | 0.54% | F |
| 3BR | $1,250 | $245,833 | 0.51% | F |
| 4BR | $1,350 | $275,156 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 43435, located in Helena, OH within the Sandusky County, OH metro area, presents a unique profile when compared against typical ZIP codes in the county. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 43435 stands at $990 for fiscal year 2026, which is higher than the average market rent of $828. This indicates that rental properties in this ZIP are priced above the local average, suggesting a slight premium for tenants seeking housing.
The median home value in ZIP 43435 is $214,775. While this figure is not directly comparable to the FMR and market rent, it provides insight into the overall cost of living and property investment potential. Generally, higher home values can correlate with higher rents due to increased property maintenance costs and perceived desirability. However, in this case, the home value is not exceptionally high, indicating that while there is a premium on rent, it is not reflected in significantly elevated property prices.
The renter share in ZIP 43435 is 15.9%. This percentage is indicative of the proportion of residents who are renters rather than homeowners. A higher renter share can be significant for landlords and small-portfolio investors as it suggests a larger demand for rental properties. When combined with the below-metro FMR and market rent, this could signal an attractive area for Section 8 investments. However, the renter share here is not particularly high, suggesting a moderate demand for rentals.
Considering these factors, ZIP 43435 appears to be a mid-tier neighborhood within the Sandusky County, OH metro area. It offers slightly above-average rental prices without the corresponding increase in home values, which could make it a reasonable investment for those looking to balance between rental income and property appreciation. The relatively balanced mix of renters and homeowners also suggests stability in the local real estate market.
To summarize, the slightly elevated FMR and market rent figures, combined with a moderate renter share and reasonable home values, position ZIP 43435 as a middle-ground opportunity within its metro area. It's neither a value pocket nor a premium sub-market but a neighborhood with solid potential for both rental and property investment returns.
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.