Location: Highland County, OH | Metro: Adams 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 | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,891 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,287 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,401 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,240 | $156,222 | 0.79% | D |
| 3BR | $1,540 | $225,955 | 0.68% | D |
| 4BR | $1,630 | $277,021 | 0.59% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 45679, located in Seaman, OH, is a small community with a total population of 2,841. The area has a modest rental market, with 25.3% of residents being renters. The median household income in this region stands at $55,028, indicating a middle-class community. The median home value is set at $199,124, which reflects the general housing affordability and quality in the area.
Moving into the specifics of the rental market, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 45679 is pegged at $1,100 for the fiscal year 2026, as determined by HUD. This figure represents the maximum amount that a Section 8 voucher holder can pay towards their rent. In comparison, the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) indicates that the market rent in this area is currently $1,040. This suggests that the FMR slightly exceeds the current market rent, providing a margin for landlords who accept vouchers.
The difference between the FMR and the market rent highlights an opportunity for both hands-off and hands-on investors. For hands-off operators, the area presents a stable environment where they can rely on the government to cover most of the rent through vouchers, ensuring a steady cash flow without the need for active property management. On the other hand, for hands-on value-add buyers, there is potential to improve properties and increase rents closer to the FMR, thus capturing additional revenue while still offering affordable housing options to voucher holders.
In summary, Seaman, OH, represented by ZIP code 45679, offers a balanced investment opportunity for both types of investors. With a population of 2,841 and a median income of $55,028, the area supports a viable rental market where the FMR of $1,100 provides a cushion over the current market rent of $1,040. This makes it a suitable location for landlords seeking either passive income or active property improvement projects.
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.