Location: Hancock County, OH | Metro: Hancock 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 | $1,010 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,110 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,890 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,140 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,780 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,002 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,152 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,890 | $258,666 | 0.73% | D |
| 4BR | $2,140 | $251,866 | 0.85% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate landscape in ZIP code 45881 suggests a balanced market with moderate pricing power for the upcoming 12-24 months. With a median home value at $238,153, there's an indication that the area is accessible to a broad range of buyers, which supports a stable demand. The fact that the percentage of listings reduced and the median days on market (DOM) are not provided points to a market where homes are selling close to their asking prices and within a reasonable timeframe, further reinforcing the idea of steady transaction activity.
On the rental side, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is projected to be $1,350, slightly above the current market rate of $1,341. This minor increase suggests that rental properties will continue to attract tenants, especially for those looking to invest in long-term holdings. However, the narrow gap between the FMR and the current market rate indicates limited upside potential for significant rent hikes, implying that rental income growth will likely be modest.
For long-hold investors, the realistic appreciation thesis in ZIP 45881 hinges on broader economic trends and local development activities rather than speculative increases. The market signals suggest that appreciation, if any, will be gradual and tied to inflationary pressures and improvements in infrastructure or amenities that could enhance property values. Investors should prepare for a scenario where capital appreciation remains modest unless there are substantial changes in the local economy or housing demand.
In summary, ZIP 45881 presents a market with solid fundamentals but limited room for aggressive price increases or rapid rent growth. The setup implies a conservative approach to investment, focusing on steady income generation and slow, sustainable 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.