Location: Muskingum County, OH | Metro: Morgan 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 | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,694 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,049 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,151 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $212,407 | 0.48% | F |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $268,400 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP 43720, located in Blue Rock, OH, within the Muskingum County, OH metro area, reveals several key points that can guide investment decisions.
The first question to address is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $980. However, the lack of specific market rent data makes it difficult to compare these figures directly. Without a precise market rent, it's challenging to determine if the FMR is realistic or overestimated, but assuming the FMR is reflective of actual market conditions, it would be a reasonable target for rental income.
Regarding acquisition affordability, the median home value stands at $206,740. This figure suggests that properties in this area are relatively affordable compared to other markets. However, without knowing the days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have been listed with price cuts, it's hard to gauge how quickly properties might sell and at what price point. Despite this, the median home value indicates a lower barrier to entry for potential investors.
Tenant demand in ZIP 43720 is another critical factor. With a total population of 1,308 and only 9.8% of residents being renters, the pool of potential tenants is limited. This low renter share could indicate a challenging environment for landlords seeking to fill units, especially given the small overall population size.
Verdict: While the median home value in ZIP 43720 makes property acquisition relatively affordable, the limited tenant demand poses a significant challenge. The FMR of $980 provides a clear target for rental income, but the absence of specific market rent data leaves some uncertainty. Investors should proceed cautiously, focusing on properties that can be acquired at or below the median value and considering strategies to attract and retain tenants in a market with low renter participation.
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.