Location: Ross County, OH | Metro: Columbus, OH HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,578 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,767 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,908 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,030 | $209,759 | 0.49% | F |
| 3BR | $1,290 | $298,342 | 0.43% | F |
| 4BR | $1,360 | $334,995 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 45644, located in Kingston, Ohio, has a population of 4,619 residents, with 29.8% being renters. This indicates that while the area is not overwhelmingly dominated by renters, there is still a significant portion of the population who rely on rental housing. The median household income in Kingston is $74,219, which provides a useful benchmark for assessing the affordability of typical market rents.
The market rent in Kingston is $738 per month, representing approximately 12% of the median household income. This percentage suggests that most tenants can afford market rates without significant financial strain. However, it's important to compare this with the Fair Market Rent (FMR), which is set at $1050 for FY 2024. The discrepancy between the market rent and FMR indicates that there might be a substantial number of Section 8 voucher holders who could find the $738 market rent more affordable, potentially increasing the demand for rental properties among those who qualify for housing assistance.
In this context, landlords in Kingston should expect a tenant pool that includes both individuals who can pay market rent and those who might use Section 8 vouchers. The latter group will likely be more sensitive to price changes and may seek out properties that offer a combination of affordability and quality. Given the lower market rent compared to the FMR, landlords might benefit from tailoring their properties to appeal to voucher holders, ensuring they meet the necessary standards for Section 8 eligibility.
To summarize, Kingston, Ohio, is a moderately renter-heavy area with a notable potential for Section 8 voucher utilization. Landlords should prepare for a mix of tenants, some of whom may require housing assistance. Properties priced around the market rate of $738 are likely to attract a steady stream of interested tenants, especially those who are financially reliant on government subsidies to secure housing.
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.