Location: Darke County, OH | Metro: Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH MSA
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 | $810 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,110 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,833 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,217 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,328 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,110 | $175,723 | 0.63% | D |
| 3BR | $1,440 | $246,950 | 0.58% | F |
| 4BR | $1,580 | $303,631 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 45383, encompassing West Milton, OH, presents a dynamic rental market characterized by a specific interplay between supply and demand. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $880 for the fiscal year 2024, while the market rent, as reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS), stands slightly higher at $962. This indicates that the market rent exceeds the FMR, suggesting that there might be a slight imbalance where demand is edging out supply, but not significantly so.
The median home value in the region is $234,164, which can serve as an indicator of the overall economic health and stability of the housing market. A median home value that is relatively stable suggests that the local economy supports both homeownership and rental markets without severe fluctuations.
The renter share of the population is 25.6%. This percentage is indicative of a moderate rental market presence, which means that a quarter of the residents are renters. In areas with a high renter share, there is often greater long-term housing pressure due to a larger number of individuals seeking rental properties over purchasing homes. However, with a renter share of 25.6%, it's evident that the majority of the population in West Milton prefers homeownership, which could imply that rental demand is steady rather than overwhelming.
While the exact dynamics of price-cut share and days on market (DOM) are not available, the fact that the market rent is above the FMR suggests that landlords are likely able to maintain their asking prices without significant concessions. This further supports the idea that demand is robust enough to sustain current rental rates.
In summary, ZIP 45383 represents a balanced yet active rental market. Landlords can expect steady demand for rental units, and the slight premium on market rent over FMR suggests that the area is attractive to tenants. The moderate renter share implies that long-term housing pressure is manageable, making it a viable option for small-portfolio investors looking to diversify their investments in a stable environment.
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.