Location: Shelby County, OH | Metro: Auglaize 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 | $1,390 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,821 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,203 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,313 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $240,546 | 0.42% | F |
| 3BR | $1,390 | $325,717 | 0.43% | F |
| 4BR | $1,570 | $384,122 | 0.41% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 45869, located in New Bremen, OH, within the Shelby County, OH metro area, does not align favorably for potential landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $970 for fiscal year 2026 contrasts sharply with the current market rent of $740, according to Census ACS data. This discrepancy indicates that landlords might struggle to cover their costs if they adhere strictly to the FMR guidelines.
Acquisition in this area is relatively affordable, given the median home value of $301,771. However, without specific data on the average days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes requiring price cuts, it's challenging to provide a comprehensive assessment of the market conditions for acquiring properties. Landlords should conduct thorough due diligence to understand the local real estate dynamics better.
Tenant demand appears to be moderate. With a population of 4,170, approximately 23.4% are renters. This suggests a steady but not overwhelming pool of potential tenants, which could impact vacancy rates and the speed of property turnover.
Verdict: ZIP 45869 presents a mixed scenario for landlords and small-portfolio investors. While the acquisition cost is reasonable, the gap between the FMR and actual market rents poses a challenge. Additionally, the moderate tenant demand means landlords must carefully manage their properties to ensure occupancy levels support profitability. Investors should proceed with caution, considering these factors before making any investment decisions.
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.