Location: Paulding 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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $139,392 | 0.72% | D |
| 3BR | $1,210 | $195,591 | 0.62% | D |
| 4BR | $1,490 | $247,169 | 0.6% | D |
| 5BR | $1,728 | $252,075 | 0.69% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
17.1% of Hicksville, OH's residents are renters, indicating a significant portion of the population that could benefit from Section 8 housing assistance. With a median home value of $175,411, potential investors should consider the local real estate market carefully. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, which provides a benchmark for rental pricing. However, the actual market rent, as reported by the Census ACS, stands at $777, suggesting that landlords might have room to adjust their rents closer to the FMR without losing tenants.
$66,912 is the median income for Hicksville, OH, which is below the national average. This figure highlights the economic context in which the demand for affordable housing exists. Despite the lack of specific data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that had their prices cut, the gap between the FMR and the current market rent indicates a potential opportunity for landlords to increase their rental income while still offering affordable housing options.
The difference between the FMR and the market rent also points to a possible alignment with Section 8 payment standards. Landlords can leverage this gap to ensure their properties remain attractive to both regular tenants and those receiving Section 8 assistance. Given the economic conditions and the current market dynamics, it's advisable for investors to consider properties priced near the median home value, as they are likely to be well-positioned within the local real estate market.
A final consideration for investors is the potential impact of Section 8 on property management. While there are no specific data points regarding the administrative burden or the frequency of inspections, the established rental rates and median income suggest a stable environment where Section 8 can serve as a reliable source of income.
Based on the available data, the verdict for Section 8 in Hicksville, OH is positive. The combination of a supportive FMR, a lower market rent, and a substantial renter share makes it a viable option for landlords and small-portfolio investors seeking stable and predictable returns.
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.