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 | $870 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,239 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,508 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,709 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,844 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,210 | $256,600 | 0.47% | F |
| 3BR | $1,440 | $355,090 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 43446, located in Middle Bass, OH, falls within the Ottawa County, OH HUD Metro Fair Market Rent (FMR) area. The FMR for ZIP 43446 is set at $950 for fiscal year 2024, which is the benchmark used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for determining payment standards for Section 8 housing vouchers. However, the market rent for this ZIP is listed as N/A, indicating that there may be insufficient rental data available to provide an accurate market rent figure.
In contrast to its FMR, the median home value in ZIP 43446 is significantly higher at $278,240. This suggests that while the rental market might be sparse or underreported, homeownership is more prevalent, and the area likely caters more to property owners rather than renters. The 0.0% renter share further underscores this point, showing that virtually all residents in Middle Bass own their homes rather than renting.
Comparatively, typical ZIP codes within the Ottawa County, OH HUD Metro FMR area would likely have a more balanced mix of renters and homeowners, with a higher renter share and potentially lower home values. Given the specific figures for ZIP 43446, it does not fit the profile of a value pocket or a Section 8 sweet spot due to the lack of rental activity and the absence of a significant renter population.
Instead, ZIP 43446 appears to be a premium sub-market within the larger Ottawa County, OH HUD Metro FMR area. Its high median home value combined with the near-absence of rental properties indicates that it is primarily a desirable location for homeowners who can afford the higher cost of living. Landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to capitalize on Section 8 opportunities should consider other ZIP codes within the Ottawa County area where the renter share is higher and the rental market is more active.
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.