Location: Williams County, OH | Metro: Williams 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 | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,531 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,715 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,852 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,945 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $118,009 | 0.85% | C |
| 3BR | $1,290 | $172,394 | 0.75% | D |
| 4BR | $1,320 | $193,092 | 0.68% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of the Section 8 program in ZIP code 43543, which encompasses Montpelier, OH, reveals a significant financial gap that landlords and small-portfolio investors must consider. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, whereas the actual market rent, according to Census ACS data, stands at $746. This means there is a gap of $224 between what voucher holders can pay and the open-market rental rates.
To put this into perspective, the gap represents an increase of approximately 30% over the current market rent. This discrepancy makes the ZIP code an attractive yield play for landlords willing to accept Section 8 vouchers. By renting to voucher tenants, landlords can secure a higher monthly income than what they would receive from traditional market-rate tenants. Given that only 24.2% of the population in Montpelier, OH are renters, and the median home value is $152,590, it suggests a relatively stable housing market where owning a home is more common than renting. However, the median household income of $56,236 indicates that a substantial portion of the renting population may rely on assistance programs like Section 8 to afford housing.
The higher FMR compared to the market rent also means that landlords can potentially cover their costs more easily when dealing with voucher tenants. In a scenario where the FMR exceeds the market rent, the risk of losing money due to lower rental payments is mitigated. Instead, landlords can benefit from a consistent and reliable source of income, even if it's slightly above the typical market rate but still within reach for many residents given the median income levels.
In conclusion, the financial landscape in ZIP 43543 presents an opportunity for landlords who are prepared to work with Section 8 vouchers. With a clear 30% premium over the average market rent, accepting voucher tenants can lead to a better yield on investment properties, especially considering the local economic conditions and the percentage of renters in Montpelier, OH.
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.