Location: Seneca 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 | $910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,100 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,682 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,035 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,137 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,450 | $184,166 | 0.79% | D |
| 4BR | $1,450 | $217,654 | 0.67% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 44854, located in Seneca County, OH, reveals a favorable environment for those seeking stable rental income. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area, set at $1,050 for fiscal year 2026, significantly exceeds the current market rent of $822, based on Census ACS data. This gap indicates that voucher tenants will generally cashflow positively at the HUD FMR rate, ensuring landlords receive a higher rent payment than the average market rate.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in ZIP 44854, which stands at $174,193. Using this figure, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio. With an average monthly rent of $822, the annual rent would be approximately $9,864. Dividing this by the median home value yields a rent-to-price ratio of about 5.66%. This suggests that rental properties are relatively undervalued compared to their sale prices, making them attractive for buy-and-hold investors.
Note that the data does not provide specific figures for the median days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that experience price cuts during the listing period. However, these metrics typically do not impact the decision to invest in Section 8 properties directly, as the primary concern is the steady flow of rental income guaranteed by the voucher program.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 44854 is cashflow. Given the disparity between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent, landlords can expect a positive cashflow scenario when renting to voucher holders. This makes the area particularly appealing for investors focused on generating consistent rental income without the need for premium units.
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.