Location: Wyandot County, OH | Metro: Crawford 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 | $830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,543 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,866 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,959 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $124,760 | 0.8% | C |
| 3BR | $1,320 | $183,056 | 0.72% | D |
| 4BR | $1,330 | $212,135 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A skeptical investor considering Bucyrus, OH (ZIP 44820), might have several concerns regarding the viability of investing in rental properties. Let's address these concerns with the available data.
Objection 1: Will FMR $970 (metro FY 2026) cover the mortgage on a $157,307 home?
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 44820 is set at $970 for FY 2026. To determine if this will cover the mortgage on a $157,307 home, we need to consider typical mortgage rates and terms. Assuming a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at an average rate of 5%, the monthly mortgage payment on a $157,307 home would be approximately $850. This means that the FMR of $970 could indeed cover the mortgage payment with some room left over for maintenance and other expenses. However, it's important to note that property taxes and insurance must also be factored into the total cost of ownership.
Objection 2: Is there enough renter demand at 25.2%?
The percentage of households renting in ZIP 44820 is 25.2%. While this is lower than the national average, which is around 35%, it still represents a significant portion of the housing market. A lower percentage of renters might suggest less demand, but it's crucial to understand the local context. In rural areas like Bucyrus, homeownership tends to be higher due to the prevalence of single-family homes and the cultural preference for owning property. Therefore, while the demand may not be as high as in urban centers, it remains sufficient to support a rental portfolio.
Objection 3: Will vouchers keep pace with $768 market rents?
The average market rent in ZIP 44820 is $768. Vouchers are designed to help low-income families afford housing, and their value can vary widely based on the size of the unit and family income. The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) typically covers a significant portion of the rent but not necessarily the full amount. If the voucher covers 70-80% of the market rent, landlords would receive between $538 and $614 per month, which is below the market rent. This shortfall can be mitigated by charging the tenant the remaining balance, which they must pay out-of-pocket. It's essential to ensure that tenants can afford this additional amount to avoid vacancies.
In conclusion, while the data provides insights into the financial feasibility of investing in Bucyrus, OH, it does not fully address every concern. The FMR can cover mortgage payments, the renter demand is present though not as high as urban areas, and voucher amounts may require some out-of-pocket costs from tenants. These factors should be carefully considered when making investment decisions 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.