Location: Van Wert County, OH | Metro: Mercer 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 | $940 |
| 1 Bedroom | $970 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,660 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,926 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,447 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,220 | $148,127 | 0.82% | C |
| 3BR | $1,530 | $190,277 | 0.8% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls for investing in Section 8 housing in ZIP code 45898 in Willshire, OH, are significant. Firstly, tenant turnover poses a challenge, with the market rent at $1,067 compared to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,080 for fiscal year 2026 in the metropolitan area. This narrow margin suggests that landlords might face difficulties in attracting tenants who qualify for Section 8 vouchers due to the higher FMR. Secondly, the vacancy exposure is substantial, as the days on market (DOM) is listed as N/A, indicating a lack of historical data to predict how long properties might remain vacant. Lastly, the deferred-maintenance exposure is considerable. The typical home value in the area is $179,643, while the median income stands at $53,783. These figures imply that residents may struggle to afford necessary repairs and maintenance, potentially leading to higher costs for landlords.
Despite these risks, there are factors that mitigate the overall investment risk. The renter share in Willshire, OH, is 20.2%, which is relatively high. High renter density often translates into greater demand for rental properties, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers. This increased demand can help stabilize occupancy rates and reduce the impact of vacancy exposure.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.