Location: Athens County, OH | Metro: Athens 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 | $960 |
| 1 Bedroom | $980 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,120 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,705 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,166 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,120 | $157,638 | 0.71% | D |
| 3BR | $1,400 | $224,657 | 0.62% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 45780, located in The Plains, Ohio, is characterized by a significant rental population. With 44.9% of residents being renters, it leans towards a renter-heavy community. This percentage suggests a robust demand for rental properties, particularly those that can accommodate Section 8 tenants. Given the median household income of $60,557, the typical market rent of $971 represents approximately 19% of the average monthly income. This ratio indicates that rent is a substantial but manageable portion of income for most households.
To further analyze the suitability of this ZIP code for Section 8 tenants, consider the Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $1,060 for FY 2026, which is higher than the current market rent. This discrepancy means that landlords in The Plains could potentially receive higher rents through the Section 8 program compared to the typical market rates, making it financially viable to accept vouchers. However, landlords should be aware that the FMR is based on metro averages and may not fully reflect the local rental market dynamics.
The expected tenant profile for landlords in The Plains would include individuals and families who rely on housing assistance vouchers. These tenants typically have lower incomes, possibly due to unemployment, underemployment, or other financial hardships. Landlords should prepare for tenants whose monthly income is below the median, often around or below $30,000 annually. Despite the reliance on vouchers, these tenants are generally responsible and committed to maintaining their living conditions, given the importance of housing stability.
In conclusion, ZIP 45780 presents a favorable environment for landlords willing to work with Section 8 tenants. The high percentage of renters and the alignment of market rents with voucher amounts make it a viable option for accepting Section 8 vouchers. Landlords can expect a mix of working-class individuals and families seeking stable, affordable housing solutions.
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.