Location: Tuscarawas County, OH | Metro: Coshocton 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 | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,020 | $133,962 | 0.76% | D |
| 3BR | $1,270 | $188,189 | 0.67% | D |
| 4BR | $1,540 | $218,311 | 0.71% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Newcomerstown, OH, in ZIP code 43832, is a modest-sized community with a population of 6,942 residents. The neighborhood reflects a mix of homeowners and renters, with 32.3% of the residents being tenants. The median household income here is $58,333, indicating a middle-class area where many families and individuals can afford to live comfortably. The median home value stands at $156,653, suggesting that homes in this region are accessible to a broad range of buyers.
Moving into the realm of rental economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area, set for fiscal year 2026, is $970. However, the actual market rent, as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), is $814. This discrepancy highlights an opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on the gap between government-set rental rates and the current market conditions. For hands-off voucher operators, the lower market rent of $814 means that they can potentially offer properties below the FMR threshold while still benefiting from the subsidy. On the other hand, for hands-on value-add buyers, the difference between the FMR and market rent suggests a chance to improve properties and charge closer to the $970 FMR, thereby increasing profitability.
The analysis points to Newcomerstown, OH, as a suitable investment location for both types of investors. Hands-off operators can find properties that align with the lower market rent, ensuring steady cash flow with minimal management effort. Meanwhile, hands-on investors might see potential in renovating and upgrading units to command higher rents, approaching or even exceeding the FMR. Both strategies can be effective depending on the investor’s goals and willingness to engage in property management activities.
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.