Location: Jackson 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 | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 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: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,270 | $243,520 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 45685, located within Jackson County, OH metro, presents a clear opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $970 per month for fiscal year 2026, which exceeds the current market rent reported by the Census ACS at $856. This indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow at FMR, providing a stable income stream above typical market rates.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which stands at $196,288. With the HUD FMR at $970, the monthly rent-to-price ratio is approximately 0.5%, calculated by dividing the annual FMR ($11,640) by the median home value. This low ratio suggests that rental properties are undervalued relative to their purchase price, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in real estate.
While the median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts are not available, these metrics typically influence the rent-versus-buy decision. However, given the disparity between the HUD FMR and the market rent, the dynamics favor rental investments over buying homes for personal use. Voucher holders can afford higher rents, which means landlords can maintain higher occupancy rates without the need for significant price reductions.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 45685 is cashflow. Landlords who take advantage of the higher HUD FMR compared to the market rent can expect a consistent and reliable source of income, making this area particularly suitable for those seeking financial stability through rental investments.
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.