Location: Seneca County, OH | Metro: Toledo, 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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,988 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,147 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,254 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $780 | $74,230 | 1.05% | B |
| 2BR | $1,020 | $112,976 | 0.9% | C |
| 3BR | $1,340 | $163,779 | 0.82% | C |
| 4BR | $1,530 | $191,317 | 0.8% | D |
| 5BR | $1,775 | $227,048 | 0.78% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 44830, located in Fostoria, OH within the Seneca County, OH metro area, can serve as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 44830 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $870, which is significantly higher than the current market rent of $809. This creates a positive spread of $61 per unit, allowing landlords to collect more in rental income than what they might expect from market rates. Furthermore, the median home value in this ZIP code stands at $139,153, indicating that property values are relatively stable and affordable, reducing the risk of large capital outlays.
The low price-cut share of 0.2% suggests that there is little pressure on landlords to reduce their asking rents to compete with the market. Additionally, the N/A-day Days on Market (DOM) implies that properties in this area are either rented quickly or do not face significant competition, further supporting the idea that this ZIP code is suitable for generating steady cash flow.
While the renter share at 25.8% is not negligible, it is not high enough to classify this ZIP code primarily as a diversifier. Similarly, the median income of $62,990 does not indicate a strong potential for property appreciation, given the stable nature of the local economy and housing market.
In conclusion, ZIP 44830 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio due to its favorable rent-to-market ratio and stable property values. Landlords can rely on consistent income from these units without the need for frequent price adjustments or large investments in property improvements.
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.