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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,694 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,049 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,151 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,010 | $138,291 | 0.73% | D |
| 3BR | $1,360 | $196,625 | 0.69% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 45768, Newport, OH, within the Washington County metro area, presents a unique investment opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) as defined by HUD for the fiscal year 2026 is set at $970 for the metro scope. This figure is crucial for understanding how well voucher tenants will perform in terms of cashflow.
Despite the HUD FMR being established, there is currently no available data on the market rent for ZIP 45768, which makes it difficult to directly compare the two figures. However, based on the HUD FMR alone, we can infer that voucher tenants will likely cashflow at this rate, given that the FMR is designed to reflect the average market rent for a standard unit in the area. In the absence of specific market rent data, it's reasonable to assume that the FMR of $970 aligns closely with the local rental market conditions, allowing for positive cashflow without the need for premium units.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in ZIP 45768, which stands at $152,634. Using this figure, we can calculate a rough estimate of the rent-to-price ratio. Assuming an annual mortgage payment equivalent to the median home value, the monthly rent of $970 represents a significant portion of the total cost, indicating a favorable environment for rental investments. This suggests that the rental income generated could be substantial relative to the property's purchase price.
The lack of specific data regarding the days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that experience price cuts does not significantly impact the analysis, as these factors typically influence the buy-versus-rent decision. In ZIP 45768, the primary focus should remain on the robustness of the rental income derived from voucher tenants.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 45768 is stability. Given the alignment between the HUD FMR and expected market rents, combined with the favorable rent-to-price ratio, investors can anticipate steady and reliable cashflow from Section 8 properties. This stability is particularly appealing in a market where precise market rent figures are unavailable, providing a solid foundation for long-term investment strategies.
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.