Location: Morgan County, OH | Metro: Perry County, OH HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,245 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,357 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $132,201 | 0.76% | D |
| 3BR | $1,270 | $180,247 | 0.7% | D |
| 4BR | $1,600 | $181,348 | 0.88% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate landscape in ZIP 43731, Crooksville, OH, presents a unique set of conditions that both landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider. With a median home value of $142,419, the area remains relatively affordable compared to many other regions in the state. The fact that there is currently no available data on the percentage of listings being reduced or the median days on market (DOM) suggests a stable market with little fluctuation. This stability implies that landlords and investors can maintain their pricing power over the next 12-24 months without significant pressure to lower rents or sale prices.
On the rental side, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 43731 in fiscal year 2024 is projected at $860, slightly above the current market rent of $839 according to the Census American Community Survey (ACS). This indicates a potential upward trend in rental prices, allowing landlords to gradually increase rents in line with FMR adjustments without losing tenants. The slight premium of FMR over market rent also signals that the local rental market is likely to remain competitive, supporting steady occupancy rates and consistent cash flows for property owners.
For long-term investors, the setup in Crooksville suggests a cautious approach to appreciation expectations. While the stable market conditions provide a solid foundation for maintaining property values, the lack of robust growth indicators such as rising percentages of reduced listings or decreasing DOM suggests limited potential for rapid price appreciation. Instead, the focus should be on the consistent cash flow derived from rental income and the preservation of capital through the maintenance of current property values.
Investors should also take note of the balance between home ownership and rental markets. The median home value being slightly higher than the average rental price might encourage some renters to become homeowners, but the overall affordability of the region could mitigate this effect. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should continue to monitor local economic trends and housing demand to adjust their strategies accordingly.
In summary, the current median home value, stable market conditions, and favorable rent-side dynamics suggest that ZIP 43731 offers a reliable environment for real estate investment, particularly for those seeking steady returns rather than speculative gains. The realistic appreciation thesis leans towards modest growth, primarily driven by gradual increases in rental prices and inflationary pressures, rather than a boom in home values.
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.