Location: Mercer County, OH | Metro: Darke County, OH
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,798 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,175 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,284 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 45310 in Mercer County, Ohio, reveals a rental landscape that is highly dependent on government subsidies. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1,100 for the fiscal year 2026, which is the standard payment amount for voucher holders. Unfortunately, the current market rent data for ZIP 45310 is not available, making it difficult to provide an exact comparison between the FMR and the prevailing market rates.
Given the reliance on the FMR, landlords and small-portfolio investors should expect that voucher tenants will cashflow only at the FMR level or marginally above it, depending on the specific unit's condition and location. In areas where market rents are significantly higher than the FMR, cashflow can be challenging unless the property is in high demand due to its amenities or proximity to desirable locations. However, without specific market rent data, it's prudent to assume that cashflow will be tight at the FMR rate.
The median home value in ZIP 45310 is $221,605, providing a basis for calculating the rent-to-price ratio. Assuming an average mortgage rate and property taxes, the monthly cost to own a home in this area would likely exceed the FMR for rental units. This suggests that the rent-to-price ratio favors renting over buying, particularly for those who qualify for Section 8 vouchers.
The dynamics of days-on-market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have been price-cut are not applicable in this context since these metrics pertain to the housing market rather than the rental market. However, the strong preference for renting among voucher holders indicates that the rental market remains robust, despite the lack of precise market rent data.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 45310 is stability. With a consistent government-backed payment system and a favorable rent-to-price ratio, landlords can expect reliable cashflow and a steady stream of tenants, ensuring long-term investment security.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.