Location: Athens County, OH | Metro: Athens 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 | $1,030 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,060 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,844 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,065 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,230 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,342 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,060 | $153,379 | 0.69% | D |
| 2BR | $1,210 | $194,563 | 0.62% | D |
| 3BR | $1,520 | $256,400 | 0.59% | F |
| 4BR | $1,590 | $323,869 | 0.49% | F |
| 5BR | $1,844 | $377,304 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 45701, Athens, Ohio, in metro FY 2026 is set at $1,260. This figure represents the payment standard for landlords participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which is the amount the government will pay toward your tenant's rent. It is important to note that this is not the total rent you can charge; it is the maximum subsidy the government will provide.
In comparison, the local Zillow Observed Rental Index (ZORI) for the same area is $1,018. This indicates the average market rent for similar properties, which is lower than the FMR. However, the FMR is designed to ensure that landlords receive fair compensation, even if it exceeds the local average.
The 50.2% renter share in Athens, OH, shows that slightly over half of the households in the area are renters. This high percentage suggests strong demand for rental housing, making it a good time to consider entering the market, especially with Section 8 vouchers ensuring stable income.
If you are looking to acquire a property in this area for your first Section 8 rental, the median home value of $239,791 provides a benchmark for potential purchase costs. Keep in mind that this does not include additional expenses such as renovations, property management fees, or insurance.
Before committing to a Section 8 rental, verify that the property meets all HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) standards. These standards ensure that the rental unit is safe, decent, and sanitary, and failure to comply can result in penalties or loss of participation in the program.
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.