Location: Athens County, OH | Metro: Athens County, OH
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,020 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,070 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,520 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,891 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,118 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,287 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,401 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 45778 has a population of 1,144 individuals, with 14.0% of them being renters. The median household income stands at $57,128, which provides a baseline for assessing the viability of Section 8 tenants in this area.
The market rent in ZIP 45778 is $1,308 per month. This figure represents approximately 23% of the median household income when annualized. Given that the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,170, the current market rent is slightly above the FMR threshold, indicating a higher cost of living in this ZIP compared to the broader metro average.
Despite the rental market's slight premium over the FMR, the percentage of renters is relatively low at 14.0%. This suggests that the area is not heavily dominated by renters but rather leans towards homeownership. As such, the demand for housing vouchers might be moderate rather than high, making it a less dense voucher market.
To contextualize further, consider that the $1,308 market rent is around 23% of the median household income. This ratio is generally considered sustainable, but it does imply that a significant portion of a tenant's income would go towards rent. For those relying on Section 8 vouchers, their rent contribution would typically be capped at 30% of their adjusted income, meaning landlords in ZIP 45778 should anticipate tenants whose rent is subsidized up to the $1,170 FMR level.
A landlord in ZIP 45778 can expect a tenant pool that includes families and individuals who may have limited income and rely on housing assistance programs. These tenants will likely be conscientious about maintaining stable housing and adhering to lease terms due to the strict eligibility requirements for Section 8 vouchers. However, the relatively low percentage of renters indicates that landlords might also attract a mix of non-voucher tenants seeking affordable housing options.
In summary, while ZIP 45778 is not a highly renter-dense area, it does present opportunities for landlords willing to accept Section 8 vouchers. The market rent is slightly elevated compared to the FMR, but still within a range that allows for manageable rent burdens for voucher recipients. Landlords should prepare for a tenant base that includes those who need financial assistance to afford housing, alongside other renters looking for cost-effective living solutions.
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.