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 | $830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,371 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,140 | $99,422 | 1.15% | B |
| 3BR | $1,500 | $120,593 | 1.24% | A |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 45225 in Cincinnati, OH, there are several potential issues for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Tenant turnover can be higher due to the significant gap between the market rent of $1,295 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024, which is set at $990. This difference suggests that tenants may struggle to afford market rates once their vouchers expire, leading to frequent changes in occupancy. Additionally, the vacancy exposure is concerning, as the days on market (DOM) data is currently unavailable, indicating a lack of consistent information on how long units remain vacant before being rented. This uncertainty can lead to financial strain during periods of vacancy.
The deferred maintenance exposure is another critical risk factor. With a typical home value of $117,674 and a median income of $20,348, residents may have limited resources to cover unexpected repairs or maintenance costs. Landlords must be prepared to handle these expenses themselves, which can impact the overall profitability of the investment.
However, these risks must be weighed against the strong demand for rental properties in the area. The renter share stands at 87.2%, which is exceptionally high and typically correlates with greater demand for housing vouchers. This high concentration of renters increases the likelihood of finding tenants who qualify for Section 8 assistance, thereby reducing the risk of vacancies and ensuring a steady stream of rental income.
In conclusion, the risks associated with Section 8 investments in ZIP 45225 are moderate, primarily due to the potential for higher tenant turnover and deferred maintenance costs, but offset by the robust rental market and high voucher demand.
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.