Location: Ashtabula County, OH | Metro: Cleveland, 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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 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: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,060 | $262,398 | 0.4% | F |
| 3BR | $1,350 | $319,775 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $1,460 | $396,984 | 0.37% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP 44046, Huntsburg, OH, reveals several key points for landlords and small-portfolio investors considering the area.
The first question to address is whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the zip code in fiscal year 2024 is set at $960. However, the Census ACS reports the average market rent at $737. This discrepancy suggests that landlords might struggle to find tenants willing to pay the higher FMR rate, indicating that the rent math does not align favorably with current market conditions.
Moving on to the affordability of acquisitions, the median home value in ZIP 44046 stands at $306,640. Unfortunately, the data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that were sold after a price cut is not available. Without these figures, it's challenging to assess how competitive the market is for acquiring properties, but the median home value does provide a baseline for investment costs.
Tenant demand is another critical factor. With a total population of 1,500 and only 8.9% of residents being renters, the pool of potential tenants is relatively small. This low renter share could make it difficult to consistently fill rental units, especially if the rent is priced at the FMR level of $960, which exceeds the market average.
In conclusion, ZIP 44046 presents a mixed picture for real estate investment. While the median home value offers a clear reference point for acquisition costs, the mismatch between the FMR and market rent rates, along with the limited tenant demand due to the low renter share, poses significant challenges. Landlords should consider setting rents closer to the market average of $737 to attract tenants, despite the FMR guidelines. Additionally, the lack of detailed data on home sales dynamics makes it harder to gauge the overall market competitiveness, but the scarcity of renters suggests caution is warranted when evaluating the viability of rental investments 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.