Location: Washington 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 | $1,150 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,160 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,920 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,140 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,002 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,152 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,420 | $179,903 | 0.79% | D |
| 3BR | $1,920 | $216,835 | 0.89% | C |
| 4BR | $2,140 | $303,703 | 0.7% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 45742, located in the Little Hocking, OH area, does not favor landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the Washington County, OH metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,370. However, the current market rent, as per Census ACS data, stands at $1,063. This discrepancy indicates that landlords may struggle to meet the higher subsidy rates required under Section 8 programs, as they would need to accept rents significantly below the FMR.
Regarding acquisition affordability, the median home value in ZIP 45742 is $200,864. Unfortunately, the data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes needing price cuts are not available, which limits the analysis of how quickly homes sell and at what price adjustments. Given the median home value, purchasing properties in this area could be considered moderately expensive, especially if the goal is to acquire multiple units for a small portfolio.
Tenant demand in ZIP 45742 is relatively low. With a total population of 3,752, only 15.8% are renters. This suggests a limited pool of potential tenants, which could make it challenging to fill vacancies consistently. Additionally, the small number of renters relative to the overall population might indicate a less dynamic rental market.
Verdict: Investing in ZIP 45742 for Section 8 properties is not advisable due to unfavorable rent math and low tenant demand. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider areas with higher market rents closer to the FMR and a larger proportion of renters to ensure a stable and profitable investment.
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.