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 | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,080 | $129,099 | 0.84% | C |
| 3BR | $1,400 | $213,294 | 0.66% | D |
| 4BR | $1,420 | $207,831 | 0.68% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median income in ZIP 44849, Nevada, OH, stands at $69,902. The market rate for rent, according to the Census ACS, is $816. This means that a household in this area would need to allocate approximately 17.2% of their annual income towards rent, which is calculated by multiplying the monthly rent ($816) by 12 months and then dividing by the median income ($69,902). This percentage is relatively manageable, but it still represents a significant portion of a household's budget.
In contrast, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area as of fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,080. This figure is notably higher than the current market rate, indicating that there is a substantial affordability gap for renters. To put this into perspective, if a household were to pay the FMR, they would be spending around 21.4% of their annual income on rent. This higher rent cost could strain budgets and reduce the pool of potential tenants who can afford market-rate housing.
The ZIP code has a relatively low rental population at 13.1%, with a total population of 2,195. This suggests that competition among landlords for the limited number of renters might be high. Landlords should consider the affordability gap when setting rents, as it affects how many households can realistically afford to live in the area. Offering units at or below the current market rate could attract more tenants, while pricing closer to the FMR may limit occupancy to those with Section 8 vouchers or other forms of financial assistance.
For landlords considering their strategy regarding voucher tenants versus cash-paying tenants, the data indicates a clear divide. While cash-paying tenants might offer more immediate financial stability, the high FMR compared to median income suggests that relying solely on them could result in vacancies. On the other hand, accepting Section 8 vouchers, which are typically based on the FMR, could provide a steady stream of tenants willing to pay the higher rates, though this comes with the administrative burden and sometimes slower payment processes associated with voucher programs.
Takeaway: In ZIP 44849, landlords face a choice between attracting more tenants by keeping rents at or below the current market rate or securing stable tenancy through Section 8 vouchers, despite the higher administrative requirements. Given the median income and the significant difference between market rate and FMR, landlords should weigh the benefits of each approach carefully to ensure optimal occupancy and income.
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.