Location: Paulding County, OH | Metro: Paulding 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 | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,371 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $125,884 | 0.79% | D |
| 3BR | $1,320 | $171,649 | 0.77% | D |
| 4BR | $1,690 | $210,231 | 0.8% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Paulding, OH, located in ZIP code 45879, is a modest-sized community with a population of 6,194 residents. The area reflects a mix of homeowners and renters, with approximately 23.3% of the population being renters. This indicates a predominantly owner-occupied neighborhood, which can be beneficial for long-term stability and property appreciation. The median household income in the area stands at $64,013, suggesting a middle-class community where residents have the financial means to afford housing costs. The median home value of $154,432 aligns with the income levels, making homeownership accessible to many.
Moving into the economic landscape of rental properties, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is $970. In contrast, the current market rent, as per the Census American Community Survey (ACS), is $843. This gap between the FMR and the market rent presents an opportunity for investors to potentially capture a higher rental income when participating in the Section 8 program, given that the government's FMR often serves as a benchmark for rental assistance payments.
The practical question for investors is whether ZIP 45879 is suitable for a hands-off voucher operator or requires a hands-on approach for value-add strategies. Given the modest size of the community and the relatively low percentage of renters, a hands-off approach might be challenging. Landlords who opt for this strategy should ensure their properties meet the necessary standards to attract Section 8 tenants without requiring significant maintenance or management efforts. On the other hand, for those inclined towards a hands-on approach, there is potential to improve properties and increase their value, thereby aligning them closer to the FMR and maximizing rental income.
Investors considering Section 8 properties in ZIP 45879 must weigh the benefits of stable, government-backed rental income against the need for ongoing property management and compliance with HUD regulations. For those willing to engage actively, the area offers a promising entry point into the affordable housing market, with the potential for steady returns and gradual property appreciation.
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.