Location: Darke County, OH | Metro: Darke 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 | $830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,566 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,894 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,989 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,350 | $300,672 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 45362, there are several factors that could pose challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Tenant turnover is a significant concern due to the difference between the market rent of $675 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $970 for fiscal year 2026 in the metropolitan area. This gap suggests that tenants might be attracted by higher FMRs, leading to frequent moves and increased vacancy periods. With the days on market (DOM) being listed as N/A, it's difficult to assess the average time properties remain vacant, but this uncertainty itself introduces risk. The typical home value in the area is $255,459, while the median income stands at $61,687. This combination can result in deferred maintenance issues, as residents may struggle to afford necessary repairs, potentially degrading the quality of rental properties over time.
However, these risks must be balanced against the high concentration of renters in the area, with 7.4% of the population being renter-occupied. High renter density often correlates with a robust demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy rates and provide a steady stream of tenants. Section 8 vouchers can mitigate the impact of market fluctuations and ensure a reliable source of rental income, even if it is slightly below market rates.
The verdict for ZIP code 45362 is moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord. While there are notable challenges, the potential benefits of stable occupancy and a consistent tenant pool make it a viable option with proper management and an understanding of the local rental market dynamics.
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.