Location: Preble County, OH | Metro: Preble 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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,636 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,832 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,979 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,078 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $173,040 | 0.58% | F |
| 3BR | $1,330 | $239,255 | 0.56% | F |
| 4BR | $1,410 | $323,557 | 0.44% | F |
| 5BR | $1,636 | $405,550 | 0.4% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 45320, Eaton, OH, set at $970 for the metro area fiscal year 2026, is a critical figure for landlords entering the Section 8 housing program. This amount represents the payment standard used by the Housing Choice Voucher Program, meaning it's the maximum amount the government will pay towards a tenant's rent in this area. However, it does not dictate your actual rent price; you can charge up to $970 for the voucher portion.
To put this into perspective, consider the average rental price in ZIP 45320 is currently $783, according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS) data. The difference between the FMR and the local average suggests a potential opportunity for landlords to receive higher subsidies than typical market rates, which can be particularly beneficial if you're looking to cover maintenance costs or other expenses.
With a 22.9% share of renters in the area, there is a solid demand for rental properties. This indicates that nearly a quarter of the population is actively seeking rentals, making it a viable market for Section 8 properties. However, it's important to note that while demand is present, competition among landlords for these vouchers also exists.
If you're considering purchasing a property for Section 8 use, the median home value of $245,479 provides a benchmark for acquisition costs. This figure helps you understand the investment required to enter the market and allows you to calculate potential returns based on the rental income you expect to receive.
Before proceeding with your first Section 8 rental, it is crucial to verify that the property meets all the necessary inspection criteria. The Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection ensures your property is safe, decent, and sanitary. Failure to meet these standards could result in disqualification from the program, so ensuring compliance is a key step in securing a successful and profitable Section 8 rental.
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.