Location: Van Wert County, OH | Metro: Van Wert 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 | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $790 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,578 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,767 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,908 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $790 | $109,193 | 0.72% | D |
| 2BR | $1,000 | $138,806 | 0.72% | D |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $201,928 | 0.62% | D |
| 4BR | $1,360 | $241,608 | 0.56% | F |
| 5BR | $1,578 | $278,412 | 0.57% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market in ZIP 45891, centered around Van Wert, OH, is characterized by a strong rental sector and modest price adjustments, indicating a balanced but slightly tenant-oriented environment. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area stands at $970 per month, reflecting the metro region's financial outlook for fiscal year 2026. This figure is notably higher than the actual market rent reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS), which is currently at $772. This discrepancy suggests that landlords may be facing competitive pressures, compelling them to offer more affordable rates to attract tenants.
The low price-cut share of 0.1% indicates that property owners are maintaining their asking prices without significant concessions, implying a stable market with little urgency among sellers. However, the lack of specific data on days on the market (DOM) makes it difficult to definitively conclude whether properties are selling quickly or lingering on the market longer than expected.
The median home value in ZIP 45891 is $180,209, positioning it as an affordable market for both buyers and renters. The 21.2% renter share reveals a significant portion of the population prefers renting over owning, which can be indicative of long-term housing pressure due to affordability concerns or lifestyle preferences. This trend supports the notion that the rental market will continue to play a crucial role in the local economy, offering opportunities for landlords and investors willing to cater to the needs of tenants.
In summary, the dynamics of ZIP 45891 suggest a market where demand for rentals is robust, and property values remain steady. While the exact relationship between supply and demand is unclear without additional time-series data, the current snapshot points towards a scenario where rental properties are in high demand, and homeownership is accessible but not universally preferred. Investors should focus on the rental sector's potential, given the significant renter share and the relatively low competition for sales listings.
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.