Location: Highland 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 | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $870 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,428 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,549 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,050 | $187,197 | 0.56% | F |
| 3BR | $1,430 | $272,707 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $1,730 | $330,124 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 45154, located in Mount Orab, OH, falls within the Highland County, OH metro area. Its Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2024 is set at $860. Comparatively, the market rent in this ZIP is $789, indicating that the actual rental prices are slightly below the FMR threshold. The median home value in ZIP 45154 stands at $268,825, which is a key figure when assessing the overall real estate landscape.
The renter share in ZIP 45154 is 23.0%, which suggests that a significant portion of the residents are renters rather than homeowners. This percentage can be indicative of the demand for rental properties in the area. When juxtaposed against typical Highland County ZIP codes, the data points towards ZIP 45154 being a mid-tier neighborhood. The FMR is notably higher than the market rent, suggesting that while the government's estimate for housing costs is higher, the actual rents charged are more aligned with what might be considered affordable or moderate pricing.
The median home value of $268,825 is likely reflective of the overall housing market in Highland County, OH. It is neither exceptionally low nor high, positioning it squarely in the middle range for the county. However, the divergence between the relatively high renter share and the home values below the average for the metro area could signal an opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in Section 8 properties. This combination often indicates areas where there is a strong presence of subsidized housing, making it a favorable location for those who cater to this demographic.
To conclude, ZIP 45154 appears to be a mid-tier neighborhood within the Highland County, OH metro. The data suggests it is not a premium sub-market due to its below-average market rent compared to the FMR, but also not a value pocket as its home values are within a reasonable range for the area. The high renter share combined with lower-than-metro average home values highlights its potential as a sweet spot for Section 8 investments.
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.