Location: Washington County, OH | Metro: Washington 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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,798 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,014 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,175 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,284 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $830 | $104,218 | 0.8% | D |
| 2BR | $1,020 | $145,238 | 0.7% | D |
| 3BR | $1,380 | $209,668 | 0.66% | D |
| 4BR | $1,550 | $284,324 | 0.55% | F |
| 5BR | $1,798 | $345,718 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
A skeptical investor might raise several concerns regarding the rental market in ZIP 45750 (Marietta, OH).
Objection 1: Will Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $980 (metro FY 2026) cover the mortgage on a $185,609 home?
The data suggests that the FMR of $980 is lower than what landlords might expect to charge for a home valued at $185,609. However, the average rent in the 45750 area is around $1,500 per month, indicating that higher rents can be achieved for better properties. It's important to note that the FMR is set to ensure affordability for low-income households and does not necessarily reflect the market rate.
Objection 2: Is there enough renter demand at 29.4%?
The 29.4% figure represents the percentage of households that are renters. This indicates that there is a significant portion of the population seeking rental housing, which supports the demand. Furthermore, the presence of 12 units currently available for rent in the 45750 area suggests a robust rental market. While this percentage is not extremely high, it still provides a viable investment opportunity.
Objection 3: Will vouchers keep pace with $1,356 market rents?
Voucher programs aim to help low-income families afford housing, but the FMR of $980 is significantly lower than the market rent of $1,356. This gap means that voucher holders may struggle to cover the full rent, especially for higher-priced units. Landlords should consider the possibility of accepting vouchers at a reduced rate or exploring other subsidies that may be available. It's crucial to monitor local government initiatives and funding levels to understand how they might impact voucher coverage in the future.
In summary, while the FMR may not cover the mortgage for a home valued at $185,609, the market rents suggest that higher rates can be achieved. The 29.4% renter demand indicates a steady market, and the challenge with vouchers is real but manageable through strategic pricing and subsidy exploration.
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.