Location: Knox County, OH | Metro: Columbus, 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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,245 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,357 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,060 | $226,383 | 0.47% | F |
| 3BR | $1,380 | $297,824 | 0.46% | F |
| 4BR | $1,600 | $394,595 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Bellville, OH (ZIP 44813), located in Knox County within the larger Ohio metro area, presents itself as an ideal cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The primary reason for this classification is the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a $1050 unit in FY 2024 and the current market rent of $737.
The FMR, set at $1050, is considerably higher than the market rent of $737, indicating that properties in this area can be rented out at rates above the local average when participating in the Section 8 program. This allows landlords to achieve better cash flow stability, as the government-subsidized rents will cover more of the operational costs associated with property management.
The median home value in Bellville is $275,736. While this figure is relevant to understanding the overall housing market, it does not directly impact the cash-flow analysis for rental units. However, it suggests that the area has a stable housing market, which can contribute to lower vacancy rates and a steady stream of tenants.
Bellville does not present strong indicators for being an appreciation play, given the lack of data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM). These metrics would typically help determine if property values are likely to increase over time, but they are not provided here.
Nor is Bellville primarily a diversifier, although it does have a 20.6% renter share and a median income of $77,846. While these factors suggest a moderate demand for rental properties and a relatively stable economic base, they do not outweigh the benefits of using Bellville as a cash-flow anchor.
In summary, Bellville, OH, should be considered a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy due to the substantial difference between the FMR and the market rent, ensuring that landlords receive higher-than-average rental income for their properties.
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.