Location: Van Wert County, OH | Metro: Lima, OH MSA
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 | $1,350 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,566 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,894 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,989 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $239,530 | 0.42% | F |
| 3BR | $1,210 | $320,262 | 0.38% | F |
| 4BR | $1,350 | $331,528 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In Fort Jennings, Ohio (ZIP 45844), the real estate market presents a unique set of conditions that landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider when making investment decisions. The median home value stands at $288,114, indicating a stable price point within the region. However, the absence of data on the percentage of listings that have been reduced and the median days on market (DOM) suggests a lack of recent volatility or significant changes in listing activity, which typically points towards a balanced market.
The Forward Market Rate (FMR) for ZIP 45844 is projected at $900 for fiscal year 2024, while the current market rent, based on Census ACS data, is estimated at $744. This gap between the FMR and the actual market rent signals potential upward pressure on rental rates in the coming years. Landlords can expect to see gradual increases in rental income, aligning with the projected FMR, as the demand for housing in the area adjusts to meet the cost of living and other economic factors.
For long-term investors, the setup in Fort Jennings implies a realistic appreciation thesis. Given the stable median home value and the anticipated growth in rental rates, it's reasonable to expect that property values will also appreciate, albeit at a moderate pace. The balance between residential stability and rental dynamics supports a conservative growth model, suggesting that properties held for an extended period will likely see a positive return on investment.
The current equilibrium in the market, as evidenced by the available data, indicates that neither buyers nor sellers hold significant pricing power. This balance is expected to persist over the next 12 to 24 months, barring any unforeseen economic shifts or changes in local policy. Investors should focus on the steady increase in rental rates and modest property appreciation as key drivers of their investment strategy.
To summarize, the median home value, the projected FMR, and the current market rent in Fort Jennings, Ohio, collectively suggest a market where long-term investments are likely to yield steady returns through both rental income and property appreciation. The absence of volatile data points reinforces a stable environment, ideal for those seeking consistent, predictable growth in their real estate portfolios.
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.