Location: Brown 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 | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,216 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,681 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,815 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,140 | $159,956 | 0.71% | D |
| 3BR | $1,580 | $260,051 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Russellville, located in ZIP code 45168 of Brown County, Ohio, stands out among other ZIP codes due to its unique demographic and economic profile. With a total population of 1,667, the area has a rental rate of 29.0%, indicating a moderate reliance on rental housing. The median income in Russellville is $74,167, reflecting a middle-class community where most residents earn a stable living. The median home value of $236,840 suggests that homeownership is a significant part of the local economy, but it also implies that property values are not excessively high compared to other regions.
Turning to the specifics of Section 8 housing, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 45168 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $940. This figure is notably lower than the market rent of $1,077 reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. For landlords and small-portfolio investors, this means that accepting Section 8 vouchers could result in a slight decrease in rental income, approximately $137 per month less than the market rate. However, the stability provided by government-backed rental assistance can be a valuable asset, especially considering the moderate rental market share and the overall financial health of the community.
The data signature of ZIP 45168 reads as relatively stable. The median income is sufficient to support both renters and homeowners, and the median home value indicates a balanced property market. While the gap between the FMR and market rent exists, it does not suggest an unstable or rapidly changing environment. Instead, it points to a community where the housing needs of low-income families are being met through Section 8 programs, without disrupting the broader real estate landscape. This stability is beneficial for long-term investment strategies, particularly for those looking to diversify their portfolios with affordable housing options.
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.