Location: Sandusky 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 | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,147 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,254 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,230 | $194,764 | 0.63% | D |
| 4BR | $1,530 | $224,041 | 0.68% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 analysis for ZIP code 43442 reveals a significant gap between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. For fiscal year 2024, the FMR is set at $950, whereas the Census ACS reports the average market rent at $729. This represents a gap of $221, or approximately 30%.
Given that the FMR exceeds the market rent, properties in this area are well-positioned to attract voucher tenants, making it a strong yield play for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The higher FMR allows landlords to charge closer to the $950 threshold, thereby increasing their rental income without surpassing the limits set by the housing voucher program.
In ZIP 43442, only 11.6% of residents are renters, indicating a relatively low demand for rental properties compared to homeownership. However, the median home value stands at $180,901, which suggests that owning a home is a significant financial commitment. With a median income of $61,667, many residents may find it challenging to afford both the cost of homeownership and the expenses associated with maintaining a property.
The cost of housing voucher tenants below open-market rates is minimal in this scenario. Since the FMR is higher than the market rent, landlords can still achieve a competitive rate when renting to voucher holders. This makes it financially viable to accept Section 8 tenants, as they will pay close to the market value, supplemented by the government voucher, ensuring steady and reliable income.
Moreover, the relatively low percentage of renters and high median home values imply that there is a substantial number of potential voucher holders who might be looking for affordable rental options. Landlords who participate in the Section 8 program can benefit from a stable tenant base, reduced vacancy rates, and a guaranteed income stream that aligns with the FMR, effectively mitigating the risks associated with the volatile rental market.
To summarize, the gap between the FMR and market rent in ZIP 43442 presents an opportunity for landlords to maximize their yields while providing affordable housing options to eligible tenants. The financial landscape of the area supports this strategy, making it a favorable choice for both long-term stability and profitability.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.