Location: Harrison County, OH | Metro: Canton-Massillon, 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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,554 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,973 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,330 | $153,892 | 0.86% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 43986 in Harrison County, Ohio, reveals several key insights for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The first question addresses whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 43986 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $860. However, the market rent based on Census ACS data is lower at $768. This suggests that landlords might need to adjust their expectations or find ways to justify higher rents to meet the FMR, as the current market rate is below the benchmark.
The second question concerns the affordability of acquisitions. With a median home value of $121,605, the area appears to be relatively affordable for potential property purchases. Unfortunately, the data does not provide specific days on the market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that had to reduce their asking price (price-cut share), which would have been useful for understanding how quickly and efficiently properties are selling in this area.
The third question examines tenant demand. The ZIP code has a total population of 1,517, with 23.2% of residents being renters. This indicates a moderate demand for rental properties, suggesting that landlords could expect a reasonable pool of tenants. However, the relatively low population size means that the number of potential renters is also limited.
In summary, while the acquisition costs in ZIP 43986 are affordable, landlords should be cautious about setting rents above the current market rate unless they can offer unique value propositions. Tenant demand exists but is constrained by the small population size. Landlords and investors should carefully consider these factors before entering the market in this ZIP code.
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.