Location: Clinton County, OH | Metro: Clinton 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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,995 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,234 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,413 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,534 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,090 | $178,783 | 0.61% | D |
| 3BR | $1,410 | $275,766 | 0.51% | F |
| 4BR | $1,720 | $368,177 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
29.2% of residents in ZIP 45177 (Wilmington, OH) are renters, indicating a significant demand for rental properties. The $894 market rent figure, derived from Census ACS data, suggests that landlords can expect to charge this amount per unit on average. However, the $1,060 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 offers a higher benchmark for rental pricing, especially for those participating in the Section 8 program. This difference highlights a potential opportunity for landlords to increase their rental income by qualifying for Section 8 contracts.
The median home value in Wilmington, OH is $268,386, which provides insight into the overall housing market. For small-portfolio investors looking to enter this market, it's important to note that the median income is $74,051, suggesting that there is a segment of the population capable of affording higher rents but still requiring assistance through programs like Section 8. Additionally, the 15-day Days on Market (DOM) indicates that properties are generally selling quickly, reflecting a healthy local real estate environment.
Investors should also be aware of the 0.3% price-cut share, which means that very few listings require a reduction in asking price before closing. This statistic supports the idea that the real estate market in Wilmington is robust, with little need for price adjustments to attract buyers.
In conclusion, the data points to a favorable investment climate in ZIP 45177 for those interested in Section 8 participation, with strong demand, reasonable market rents, and the potential for higher FMR-based rents. The $1,060 FMR stands out as a key figure for maximizing rental income while serving a population with a median income of $74,051. Given these factors, Section 8 remains a viable option for landlords and small-portfolio investors in Wilmington, OH.
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.