Location: Meigs County, OH | Metro: Gallia 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 | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,371 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $152,778 | 0.65% | D |
| 3BR | $1,320 | $216,835 | 0.61% | D |
| 4BR | $1,690 | $282,358 | 0.6% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 45614, located in Bidwell, Ohio, stands out within Gallia County due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a population of 5,450 residents, the area has a rental rate of 20.1%, indicating a moderate reliance on rental housing. The median income in the area is $60,000, which is slightly above the national average, and the median home value is $181,900, reflecting a stable housing market.
When it comes to Section 8 vouchers, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, while the actual market rent, according to the Census ACS, is $529. This significant gap between the FMR and the market rent suggests that landlords in ZIP 45614 can benefit financially from participating in the Section 8 program, as they would receive higher rent payments compared to typical market rates.
The data signature for ZIP 45614 reads as "stable." The relatively high median income and median home value indicate a consistent economic environment where residents have the means to afford housing. Additionally, the modest rental rate suggests that homeownership remains a prevalent choice among residents, further supporting the notion of stability. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should find the area attractive due to the favorable economics of the Section 8 program, which can provide a reliable source of income through higher-than-market rent subsidies.
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.