Location: Clinton County, OH | Metro: Brown County, OH HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,844 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,065 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,342 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,300 | $278,348 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median income in ZIP 45148 stands at $78,438, indicating a relatively stable economic environment for residents. However, when considering the market rate for rent, which is $864 according to Census ACS data, the financial strain on households becomes apparent. This places a significant burden on renters, who must allocate a substantial portion of their income towards housing costs.
In comparison, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) standard for voucher payments in ZIP 45148 for fiscal year 2024 is set at $880. This means that while the market rate is slightly below the FMR, the difference is minimal, suggesting that voucher holders might still find it challenging to secure housing within their budget. The slight discrepancy between the market rate and the FMR highlights an affordability gap for both cash-paying tenants and those utilizing vouchers.
With only 17.0% of the 1,592 population being renters, competition among landlords in ZIP 45148 is likely to be intense. The limited number of potential tenants means that landlords must carefully consider their rental pricing and tenant acceptance policies to remain competitive and ensure steady occupancy.
The takeaway for landlords considering voucher vs. cash-pay strategies is clear: while voucher payments are slightly higher at $880 compared to the market rate of $864, the overall affordability issues suggest that landlords should be prepared to offer flexible terms and possibly accept vouchers. Doing so could attract a wider pool of tenants and help maintain a consistent income stream despite the tight market conditions and high rent-to-income ratio.
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.