Location: Shelby 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $224,001 | 0.45% | F |
| 3BR | $1,350 | $320,627 | 0.42% | F |
| 4BR | $1,350 | $428,467 | 0.32% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
22.5% of residents in ZIP 45380, Versailles, OH, are renters, indicating a moderate demand for rental properties in the area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, which is higher than the $709 average market rent reported by the Census ACS. This suggests that landlords could potentially benefit from a slight premium on rents if they align their pricing with HUD's FMR guidelines. The median home value stands at $288,542, offering a reasonable entry point for real estate investment compared to other regions. However, the median income of $84,135 must be considered when evaluating potential tenant affordability. Despite the lack of specific data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price-cut shares, the gap between the FMR and the actual market rent indicates that there might be opportunities for landlords to increase their rental rates without significantly impacting occupancy. Given the current figures, landlords and small-portfolio investors should find the Section 8 program a viable option for stabilizing cash flow and ensuring consistent tenancy. The $970 FMR provides a solid benchmark above the average market rent, making it attractive for those seeking guaranteed income through government subsidies. Therefore, the verdict for Section 8 participation in ZIP 45380 is positive, especially considering the balance between median home values and incomes.
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.