Location: Henry County, OH | Metro: Toledo, OH MSA
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 | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 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 | $179,534 | 0.56% | F |
| 3BR | $1,280 | $243,601 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $1,490 | $288,094 | 0.52% | F |
| 5BR | $1,728 | $312,403 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rental market in Wauseon, Ohio, represented by ZIP code 43567, presents an interesting scenario for both renters and landlords. The median income in this area stands at $70,417, which places significant constraints on the average household's ability to pay market-rate rents. Currently, the market rate for rent, according to Census ACS data, is $821 per month. This amount represents a substantial portion of the median income, making it challenging for many residents to find affordable housing without financial assistance.
To put this into perspective, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for zip code 43567 for fiscal year 2024 is $990. This figure is notably higher than the current market rate but aligns more closely with the financial capacity of households receiving rental assistance through vouchers. Given that only 21.4% of the 12,754 population are renters, the competition among landlords is relatively low compared to densely populated areas, yet the affordability gap remains a critical issue.
The disparity between the median income and the market rate rent highlights the struggle many renters face in finding suitable housing. Landlords must consider this gap when strategizing their rental offerings. For those considering voucher tenants, the HUD FMR of $990 provides a benchmark that ensures a steady income stream, albeit slightly above the current market rate. On the other hand, landlords who opt for cash-paying tenants should be prepared to adjust their rates to remain competitive and attractive to the local market conditions.
In conclusion, landlords in Wauseon, Ohio, must weigh the benefits of accepting voucher tenants against the potential for renting to cash-paying individuals. Accepting voucher tenants offers a reliable source of income, pegged to the HUD FMR, while targeting cash-paying renters requires flexibility and possibly lowering the asking price to match the median income levels. The key takeaway is that understanding the local economic landscape is crucial for successful rental management strategies in this area.
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.