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 | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $242,768 | 0.41% | F |
| 3BR | $1,210 | $305,484 | 0.4% | F |
| 4BR | $1,420 | $401,909 | 0.35% | F |
| 5BR | $1,647 | $462,501 | 0.36% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP code 44606, Apple Creek, OH, are significant. Tenant turnover could be a challenge due to the disparity between the market rent of $714 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $970 for fiscal year 2026. This gap suggests that tenants might struggle to find alternative housing options outside of the Section 8 program, leading to frequent moves if they seek higher rents or better conditions. Vacancy exposure is another concern, as the days on market (DOM) is listed as N/A, indicating a lack of data on how quickly rental units are filled. This uncertainty can lead to periods where the property is unoccupied, resulting in lost revenue.
Deferred maintenance is also a notable risk. With a typical home value of $330,825 and a median income of $76,350, landlords must ensure that their properties meet the required standards set by the Section 8 program. Failure to maintain these standards could result in penalties or loss of eligibility, making it imperative to budget for regular upkeep and repairs.
Despite these risks, the high renter share of 21.5% in Apple Creek points towards a robust demand for rental properties, particularly those accepting Section 8 vouchers. High renter density often correlates with a higher number of individuals seeking affordable housing through government assistance programs, ensuring a steady pool of potential tenants.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.