Location: Seneca County, OH | Metro: Sandusky 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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,589 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,018 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,260 | $197,341 | 0.64% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 44841 in Seneca County, Ohio, reveals key insights for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
Firstly, regarding the rent math, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970. However, the market rent data is currently unavailable, making it impossible to directly compare FMR against actual market rates. This lack of comparison data could indicate that landlords might struggle to predict profitability without additional local market research.
Secondly, on the affordability of acquisitions, the median home value stands at $178,649. The absence of specific days on market (DOM) and percentage of homes requiring price cuts suggests a stable housing market where property values are consistent. Landlords can expect to pay a reasonable price for homes, but the missing DOM and price-cut share percentages limit the ability to assess how quickly they can turn over investments.
Lastly, concerning tenant demand, the ZIP code has a total population of 498, with 22.2% of residents being renters. This indicates a modest pool of potential tenants, which could be challenging for landlords aiming to fill multiple units or scale their operations.
In summary, while the median home value in ZIP 44841 offers an affordable entry point for acquisitions, the limited data on market rents and the relatively low number of renters suggest caution. Landlords must conduct thorough local market research to ensure the rent math works and gauge the true demand for rental properties. The investment potential here hinges on understanding these nuances and leveraging them effectively.
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.