Location: Meigs 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 | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $83,622 | 1.2% | B |
| 3BR | $1,200 | $122,360 | 0.98% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP 45760, located in Middleport, OH, within the Meigs County, OH metro area, reveals several key points for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The first question addresses whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $970. However, the current market rent, according to the Census ACS, stands at $738. This discrepancy suggests that landlords may need to adjust their expectations or rental strategies to align with the actual market conditions.
Regarding the affordability of acquisitions, the median home value in ZIP 45760 is $83,870. While the average days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring price cuts are not available, the relatively low median home value indicates that acquiring properties could be financially feasible for investors looking to enter this market at a lower cost compared to other regions.
Lastly, the tenant demand can be gauged by the local population and the renter share. With a total population of 3,844 and a renter share of 29.4%, there is a moderate demand for rental properties. This implies that while the number of potential tenants is limited, nearly one-third of the residents are renters, providing a stable pool of occupants for landlords.
In summary, the rent math does not currently favor landlords given the gap between FMR and market rents. Acquisition appears affordable due to the low median home value, which could present opportunities for investors. Tenant demand is moderate, supported by the renter share of the population. Investors should carefully consider these factors before committing to this market, ensuring they have a clear strategy for managing rental pricing and property acquisition costs.
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.