Location: Cincinnati, OH | Metro: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN 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 | $1,260 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,350 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,981 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,339 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,606 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,786 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,730 | $208,221 | 0.83% | C |
| 3BR | $2,280 | $328,889 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $2,570 | $475,390 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 45162, located in Blanchester, OH, within the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN HUD Metro FMR Area, serves as a strong cash-flow anchor for a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The Family Monthly Rent (FMR) for ZIP 45162 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1210, which is significantly lower than the market rent of $1,411. This spread indicates that landlords can secure steady rental income through Section 8 vouchers while still remaining competitive in the local rental market.
The median home value in ZIP 45162 is $319,165. Despite this relatively high median home value, the disparity between the FMR and market rent suggests that the area is conducive to stable cash flow for landlords participating in the Section 8 program. Landlords can expect consistent payments without the risk of having their properties sit vacant due to unaffordable rents.
ZIP 45162 does not present significant opportunities for appreciation plays, as there is no data indicating a high percentage of price-cut shares or days on market (DOM). This means that the property values are likely to remain stable rather than appreciating rapidly, making it less suitable for investors looking to capitalize on short-term price increases.
While the renter share in ZIP 45162 stands at 8.9%, and the median income is $84,722, these figures do not strongly suggest that the area is a prime diversifier for a Section 8 portfolio. Diversifiers typically offer a mix of low and high-income households, creating a broader range of potential tenants and reducing dependency on any single demographic. However, the median income figure points towards a middle-class area where Section 8 vouchers may be less prevalent among residents.
In conclusion, ZIP 45162 is best positioned as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The $1210 FMR aligns well with the lower end of the market rent, ensuring reliable income for landlords. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize financial stability over rapid appreciation or broad diversification.
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.