Location: Ross County, OH | Metro: Ross 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 | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,070 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,636 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,832 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,979 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,078 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,370 | $254,728 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 45681, located in Ross County, OH, reveals several key points that are essential for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The rent math does not work favorably in this area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,140, which is significantly higher than the actual market rent of $693 reported by the Census ACS. This indicates that landlords would struggle to charge rents that match the FMR without facing high vacancy rates.
Acquisition of properties in ZIP 45681 is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $186,521. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut suggests that the local real estate market may be less liquid or stable compared to other areas. Investors should proceed with caution and consider these factors before making an investment decision.
Tenant demand in ZIP 45681 is moderate. With a total population of 1,451, the area has a renter share of 20.6%, indicating that there are approximately 300 potential tenants. This figure is important for understanding the size of the rental market and the likelihood of finding tenants willing to pay the market rate.
In conclusion, while the acquisition cost is low, the mismatch between FMR and actual market rent makes it challenging for landlords to achieve desired rental income levels. Additionally, the limited data on market liquidity and stability adds another layer of risk. Tenant demand exists but is modest given the population size. For investors looking to enter this market, they must balance the lower property costs against the risks posed by the rental environment and market dynamics.
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.