Location: Ashland County, OH | Metro: Ashland 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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,121 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $215,254 | 0.46% | F |
| 3BR | $1,340 | $291,573 | 0.46% | F |
| 4BR | $1,440 | $349,214 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The FMR for the 44866 ZIP code is set at $970 for the fiscal year 2026, while the current market rent stands at $725. This creates a spread of $245 per unit, which is substantial and provides a buffer for landlords. The median home value in the area is $259,266, suggesting that there is a reasonable balance between property values and rental income.
The stability of the cash flow in this area is further reinforced by the fact that there is no significant price-cut share or days on market (DOM) data available, indicating that the real estate market in ZIP 44866 is not highly volatile. The low percentage of renters (4.5%) and the median income ($70,208) suggest that the majority of residents are homeowners, potentially reducing competition from private rentals.
Incorporating ZIP 44866 into a Section 8 portfolio would provide a reliable source of income due to the guaranteed rental assistance payments. Landlords can expect a consistent stream of income from tenants participating in the Section 8 program, as long as they adhere to the requirements and maintain their properties according to HUD standards.
A strong cash-flow anchor is essential for any real estate investment portfolio, especially when dealing with government-assisted programs like Section 8. The $245 difference between FMR and market rent ensures that landlords can cover mortgage payments, maintenance costs, and other expenses while still generating a profit.
Therefore, ZIP 44866 should be considered a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy, given the favorable financial conditions and the potential for steady, predictable returns.
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.