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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,800 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,088 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,339 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,526 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,652 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $860 | $124,376 | 0.69% | D |
| 2BR | $1,130 | $189,674 | 0.6% | F |
| 3BR | $1,350 | $245,148 | 0.55% | F |
| 4BR | $1,800 | $277,125 | 0.65% | D |
| 5BR | $2,088 | $309,817 | 0.67% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A household in ZIP 43449, Oak Harbor, OH, with a median income of $71,083, faces significant challenges in affording the market rate rent of $839. This amount represents approximately 14% of their annual income, which is already a substantial portion of their earnings. However, the situation becomes even more strained when considering the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $970 for the zip code in fiscal year 2024, which is the standard payment for housing vouchers.
The affordability gap is stark. The market rate rent of $839 is already high relative to the median income, but the FMR of $970 is even higher. This means that a household relying on a voucher would be paying a larger share of their income towards rent, leaving less disposable income for other necessities. Given that only 16.8% of the 7,572 residents are renters, competition among landlords is likely to be fierce for those who can afford the rents without financial assistance.
The takeaway for landlords considering whether to accept vouchers versus cash-paying tenants is clear. While accepting a voucher might secure a steady stream of rental income, it will also limit your pool of potential tenants to those who qualify for and have access to the voucher program. On the other hand, focusing on cash-paying tenants could provide higher returns, but it requires a more competitive approach to pricing and amenities to attract these fewer households. Landlords should weigh the benefits of guaranteed payments against the risks of reduced tenant availability and consider tailoring their offerings to meet the needs of both voucher recipients and independent renters.
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.