Location: Athens County, OH | Metro: Athens County, OH
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $860 |
| 1 Bedroom | $880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,566 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,894 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,989 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 45761 within the Athens County, OH metro area reveals a favorable opportunity for those seeking stable rental income. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $970 for fiscal year 2026, which exceeds the current market rent of $822 based on Census ACS data. This means that voucher tenants will generally cashflow at the FMR rate, providing a buffer of $148 per unit over the prevailing market rates.
To understand the investment potential further, consider the median home value of $138,522. Using the FMR of $970, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 1.07%. This indicates that rental income represents a significant portion of the property's value, making it an attractive option for investors looking to capitalize on steady cash flow rather than relying solely on appreciation.
The dynamics of days on market (DOM) and price-cut shares are not applicable in this scenario, as they typically pertain to the buying market. However, given the discrepancy between the FMR and the market rent, it is clear that the primary benefit for investors in ZIP 45761 lies in the strong cash flow potential. With voucher tenants paying above the market rate, investors can expect to see positive cash flow without the need for premium units, which often require higher maintenance costs and are more difficult to manage.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 45761 is undoubtedly cashflow. The combination of higher voucher payments and lower market rents ensures a consistent and reliable stream of income, making it an ideal location for landlords and small-portfolio investors focused on generating passive revenue.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.