Location: Wayne County, OH | Metro: Wayne 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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,752 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,962 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,119 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,225 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,300 | $296,862 | 0.44% | F |
| 4BR | $1,510 | $353,807 | 0.43% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 44276 reveals mixed outcomes for potential real-estate investments, particularly for those interested in Section 8 properties. First, let's examine if the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $990 for the fiscal year 2026, exceeds the current market rent of $878 as reported by the Census ACS. This indicates that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect higher rental income compared to the local market rate, making the rent math favorable.
Moving on to the affordability of acquisition, the median home value in ZIP 44276 stands at $288,358. However, due to the lack of specific data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring price cuts, it's challenging to provide a definitive assessment on how competitive the market is for property purchases. Without these metrics, landlords must rely on the median home value to gauge the cost of entry into the market.
The third factor to consider is tenant demand. With a total population of 1,923, the renter share is relatively low at 13.7%. This suggests that while there is a tenant base, it may be smaller than what is typically desired for a robust rental market. Landlords should be prepared for potentially lower occupancy rates or competition among rental properties.
In conclusion, ZIP 44276 presents an opportunity for landlords looking to participate in the Section 8 program, given the favorable rent math where FMRs exceed current market rents. However, the median home value of $288,358 poses a significant barrier to entry without additional context on DOM and price-cut shares. Furthermore, the limited renter share of 13.7% means that landlords must carefully assess the local demand and competition before committing to investment. Despite these challenges, the potential for higher rental income through the Section 8 program could outweigh the risks for savvy investors willing to navigate the local real estate landscape.
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.