Location: Williams County, OH | Metro: Defiance 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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,543 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,866 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,959 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $132,011 | 0.77% | D |
| 3BR | $1,300 | $197,635 | 0.66% | D |
| 4BR | $1,330 | $251,483 | 0.53% | F |
| 5BR | $1,543 | $322,387 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A skeptical investor looking at ZIP 43506 (Bryan, OH) might raise several valid concerns regarding the feasibility of investing in rental properties here. Let's address these points directly using available data.
Will FMR $980 (metro FY 2026) cover the mortgage on a $190,291 home?
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for Bryan, OH, is projected to be $980 per month in fiscal year 2026. To determine if this will cover the mortgage on a home valued at $190,291, we need to consider typical mortgage rates and terms. Assuming a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at an average rate of 4%, the monthly payment for such a property would be approximately $920. This means that the FMR of $980 is just above the estimated mortgage payment, indicating that rental income could indeed cover the mortgage cost with a small buffer for other expenses.
Is there enough renter demand at 25.9%?
Renter demand in Bryan, OH, stands at 25.9% of households. While this percentage may seem low compared to larger metropolitan areas, it translates into a significant number of potential tenants given the population size. The question of whether this demand is sufficient depends on the vacancy rate and competition in the area. If the vacancy rate is high, even a lower percentage of renters could indicate a challenging market. However, if the vacancy rate is low, it suggests strong demand relative to supply. The data does not provide the vacancy rate, so this remains an open question requiring further investigation.
Will vouchers keep pace with $807 market rents?
The market rent in Bryan, OH, is currently around $807 per month. Vouchers, which are government subsidies for renters, are crucial for many tenants to afford housing. To assess if vouchers will keep pace with market rents, we must look at the voucher payment standards and recent trends. In ZIP 43506, the voucher standard is set below the market rent, which can pose a challenge for landlords who rely on vouchers. However, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) periodically adjusts voucher amounts based on local market conditions. For a definitive answer, one would need to track historical adjustments and compare them against local rent increases.
In summary, while the FMR in Bryan, OH, appears to align well with covering mortgage costs, the adequacy of renter demand and the future trajectory of voucher amounts remain critical considerations. These factors should be carefully evaluated before making any investment decisions in this area.
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.