Location: Scioto County, OH | Metro: Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,705 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,166 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $790 | $91,102 | 0.87% | C |
| 2BR | $1,020 | $110,768 | 0.92% | C |
| 3BR | $1,270 | $184,152 | 0.69% | D |
| 4BR | $1,470 | $215,309 | 0.68% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The renter's perspective in ZIP 45656, Oak Hill, OH, reveals a tight housing market where affordability plays a critical role. The median income in the area stands at $59,395, which is significantly lower than what would be required to comfortably cover the $841 market rate rental cost, based on Census American Community Survey (ACS) data.
To put this into context, a household earning the median income in Oak Hill would spend approximately 45% of their monthly earnings on rent at the market rate. This high percentage of income dedicated to housing costs underscores the financial strain experienced by many local renters.
Comparatively, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 45656, set at $860 for fiscal year 2024, closely mirrors the market rate but offers a slight advantage for those utilizing housing vouchers. However, the similarity between the FMR and the market rate means that the voucher system does little to bridge the affordability gap for most residents.
The ZIP code has a relatively low rental population, with only 20.7% of the 7,013 residents being renters. This limited pool of potential tenants increases competition among landlords, making it essential to consider both voucher and cash-paying strategies carefully.
For landlords, the key takeaway is that while voucher payments align closely with the market rate, they come with additional administrative requirements and potential delays. In contrast, cash-paying tenants provide immediate and consistent revenue without the complexities of voucher processing. Given the tight budget constraints faced by many renters in Oak Hill, landlords should expect a mix of both voucher and cash-paying tenants to fill their units effectively.
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.