Location: Putnam County, OH | Metro: Defiance 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 | $770 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,601 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,936 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,033 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $172,809 | 0.58% | F |
| 3BR | $1,210 | $255,301 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $1,380 | $233,991 | 0.59% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 45831, located in Continental, OH, is situated within the Putnam County, OH metro. Its Federal Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2026 is set at $970, which is significantly higher than the average market rent of $542. This indicates that the government's estimate of what rental properties should cost is well above what the local market currently supports.
Additionally, the median home value in ZIP 45831 stands at $205,924, which is likely indicative of the overall housing market conditions in the area. The renter share in this ZIP is 5.3%, suggesting that a relatively small portion of the population rents their homes compared to owning them.
To understand the positioning of ZIP 45831 within the Putnam County, OH metro, it is important to compare these figures with typical ZIP codes in the county. Given the disparity between the FMR and the market rent, 45831 can be inferred as a potential value pocket for landlords participating in the Section 8 program. The higher FMR means that landlords could receive more in subsidies than the current market rent suggests, thereby potentially increasing profitability.
The median home value of $205,924, while not necessarily low, is still within reach for many first-time buyers or those looking for affordable housing options. However, when combined with the lower market rent of $542, it suggests that there might be an opportunity for landlords who can offer rental properties at rates slightly above the market but below the FMR, thus benefiting from the subsidy without pricing out tenants.
The 5.3% renter share is notably low, indicating that the majority of residents in this ZIP own their homes rather than renting. This characteristic diverges from what might typically be expected in a value pocket where higher renter shares would usually signal a greater demand for rental housing. Nonetheless, the combination of a high FMR and a lower market rent still makes ZIP 45831 attractive for landlords seeking to participate in the Section 8 program.
In summary, ZIP 45831 appears to be a value pocket within the Putnam County, OH metro, especially for landlords interested in the Section 8 program. The $970 FMR provides a financial cushion that can offset the lower market rent of $542, making it a viable option for investment. While the 5.3% renter share is low, the potential for subsidized rents makes it a noteworthy consideration for those focused on government-assisted housing opportunities.
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.