Location: Crawford County, OH | Metro: Mansfield, OH MSA
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 | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,601 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,936 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,033 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,020 | $123,462 | 0.83% | C |
| 3BR | $1,350 | $169,304 | 0.8% | D |
| 4BR | $1,380 | $193,697 | 0.71% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Crestline, OH, located in ZIP code 44827, is a modest-sized community with a total population of 6,993 residents. Only 21.7% of these residents are renters, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied area. The median household income in Crestline is $56,757, which suggests a middle-class neighborhood where families can afford reasonable living expenses without being overly strained. The median home value stands at $155,927, reflecting an affordable housing market.
The economic landscape for rental properties in Crestline is influenced by the Federal Market Rent (FMR), set at $880 for ZIP 44827 for fiscal year 2024. This compares favorably to the current market rent of $750, based on recent Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) data. This discrepancy means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect higher rental income compared to the general market, providing a financial advantage.
Given these conditions, ZIP 44827 is well-suited for both hands-off voucher operators and hands-on value-add buyers. For those preferring a low-maintenance approach, the higher FMR rate offers a stable income stream with minimal effort required to manage properties. On the other hand, for investors willing to take a more active role, there is potential to improve property values and rents over time, given the relatively low median home value and current market rent. Such improvements could lead to even greater returns once the properties are no longer dependent on the Section 8 subsidy.
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.