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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,189 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,298 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $870 | $93,265 | 0.93% | C |
| 2BR | $1,040 | $136,394 | 0.76% | D |
| 3BR | $1,250 | $201,925 | 0.62% | D |
| 4BR | $1,560 | $248,038 | 0.63% | D |
| 5BR | $1,810 | $286,311 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate landscape in Defiance, Ohio (ZIP 43512), suggests a stable market with limited potential for significant price increases over the next 12-24 months. The median home value stands at $180,984, indicating that the area remains affordable compared to many other metropolitan regions. A mere 0.2% of listings have been reduced, which signals that sellers are maintaining their asking prices, reflecting a balanced market where neither buyers nor sellers hold substantial leverage.
The median days on market (DOM) for homes in this region is 20 days, suggesting that properties are selling relatively quickly. This quick turnover can be attributed to the stable pricing environment and the fact that there is little need for price adjustments. However, it also means that there is a steady supply of homes, preventing any significant upward pressure on prices due to scarcity.
On the rental side, the future market rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is projected to be $1,000, while the current market rent is $860 based on Census ACS data. This indicates a potential increase in rental demand as the area approaches the higher FMR, which could provide some support for property values. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider this trend when evaluating the potential for rental income growth and the associated impact on property values.
For long-term investors, the setup in Defiance, Ohio, implies a modest appreciation thesis. The combination of a stable median home value, low percentage of listing reductions, and a moderate DOM suggests that the market will continue to see gradual growth rather than rapid appreciation. The gap between the current market rent and the projected FMR offers a realistic basis for expecting some increase in property values as rental demand rises and potentially influences the residential market.
Investors should focus on the rental market's dynamics and the projected FMR increase as key indicators for future value growth. While the immediate pricing power remains balanced, the long-term outlook points towards a gradual improvement in both rental income and property values, making Defiance a solid choice for those seeking stable, long-term investments.
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.