Location: Ross County, OH | Metro: Highland 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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,601 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,936 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,033 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,030 | $164,110 | 0.63% | D |
| 3BR | $1,280 | $245,652 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 45612 in the Ross County, OH metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,040. In contrast, the average market rent, according to the Census ACS, stands at $773. This indicates that voucher tenants would cashflow positively at the HUD FMR rate, providing a significant margin over the current market rent.
The median home value in ZIP 45612 is $169,298. Using this figure, the rent-to-price ratio can be derived. With a market rent of $773, the annual rent is approximately $9,276. This yields a rent-to-price ratio of about 5.5%, suggesting that the rental market is relatively undervalued compared to the purchase market.
While specific data on median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts for ZIP 45612 was not directly available, the rent-to-price ratio suggests that the rental market is stable and competitive. The lack of significant price-cutting or extended DOM periods indicates that the market is not overly saturated with listings, which is beneficial for both rental and purchase investments.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 45612 is cashflow, given the substantial difference between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent. This makes it an attractive area for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to secure steady income streams from Section 8 voucher tenants.
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.