Location: Mercer 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 | $1,580 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,833 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,217 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,328 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,000 | $155,943 | 0.64% | D |
| 3BR | $1,390 | $227,501 | 0.61% | D |
| 4BR | $1,580 | $277,784 | 0.57% | F |
| 5BR | $1,833 | $327,349 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 45885, which encompasses Saint Marys, OH, in Auglaize County, are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $990 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure is specific to this ZIP code and reflects the rental market conditions here.
In contrast, the local market rent for a similar unit is recorded at $884 per month according to the Census ACS data. This indicates that the SAFMR is higher than the average local market rent, which is beneficial for landlords participating in the program.
A landlord should understand that the voucher system works by covering the difference between the tenant's contribution and the SAFMR. The tenant is required to pay 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. For instance, if a tenant's adjusted income is $1,500, they would contribute $450 towards the rent of a two-bedroom apartment.
The remaining amount up to the SAFMR is covered by the Housing Authority, but it also includes a utility allowance. In ZIP 45885, the utility allowance for a two-bedroom apartment is typically around $300. Therefore, the total reimbursement a landlord can expect is the sum of the tenant's contribution and the utility allowance, capped at the SAFMR of $990.
To illustrate, if the tenant contributes $450 and the utility allowance is $300, the landlord would receive $750 directly from the tenant and the utility allowance, totaling $750. The Housing Authority would then cover the remaining $240 to reach the SAFMR of $990. This makes the total reimbursement $990.
Given that the local market rent is $884, there is a surplus when compared to the SAFMR. Landlords in ZIP 45885 can expect a reimbursement that exceeds the typical local market rent by $106 per month. This surplus provides a buffer against potential shortfalls and helps ensure steady income from Section 8 tenants.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 45885 can benefit from the Section 8 program due to the higher SAFMR relative to the local market rent. The reimbursement structure ensures that landlords receive the full SAFMR of $990 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, creating a surplus of $106 above the typical local market rent.
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.