Location: Washington County, OH | Metro: Monroe 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 | $1,070 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,080 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,820 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,285 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,559 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,764 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,902 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,820 | $169,662 | 1.07% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 45745 within the Washington County, OH metro area reveals several key insights. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro scope in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,320. In comparison, the current market rent, as per Census ACS data, stands at $1,138. This means that voucher tenants will generally cashflow positively at the FMR level, providing a buffer of $182 per unit. Landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect to see consistent positive cash flow without needing to rely on premium units.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which is $143,218. Using this figure, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio. With an annual rent of $13,656 ($1,138 monthly), the ratio is approximately 9.5%, indicating a relatively balanced market where rental income is a significant portion of the property's value. This ratio supports the viability of rental investments in the area.
Note that the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of price cuts are not available for this analysis. However, the absence of these metrics does not significantly impact the overall assessment since the primary focus is on the cashflow potential derived from the difference between HUD FMR and market rent.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 45745 is cashflow. Given the positive cashflow from voucher tenants at the FMR level, this area offers a stable and profitable opportunity for those looking to invest in affordable housing.
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.