Location: Ottawa County, OH | Metro: Ottawa County, 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 | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $930 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,940 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,250 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,722 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,858 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $930 | $202,017 | 0.46% | F |
| 2BR | $1,220 | $304,147 | 0.4% | F |
| 3BR | $1,450 | $461,316 | 0.31% | F |
| 4BR | $1,940 | $656,373 | 0.3% | F |
| 5BR | $2,250 | $855,119 | 0.26% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 43440, Lakeside, OH, does not favor landlords. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1070, which is significantly higher than the actual market rent of $746 according to Census ACS data. This discrepancy suggests that landlords might struggle to achieve rents at the FMR level, leading to lower occupancy rates or financial strain.
Acquisition in this ZIP code is moderately affordable. The median home value stands at $363,972, which is a reasonable investment for small-portfolio landlords. However, the lack of available data on days on market (DOM) and the fact that only 0.1% of homes are subject to price cuts indicate a stable but not highly active real estate market. This could mean slower sales and fewer opportunities for bargain acquisitions.
Tenant demand is limited in ZIP 43440. With a total population of 4,222, only 9.9% are renters, equating to approximately 418 potential tenants. This small pool of renters may make it difficult to maintain consistent occupancy, especially if rents are priced at or near the FMR levels.
In conclusion, while the median home value in ZIP 43440 makes property acquisition moderately affordable, the mismatch between the HUD FMR of $1070 and the market rent of $746, combined with a low renter share of 9.9%, presents significant challenges for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The limited tenant demand and the stable but inactive real estate market suggest that achieving a positive cash flow and maintaining high occupancy rates will be difficult. Therefore, investing in this ZIP code should be approached with caution and a thorough understanding of these economic realities.
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.