Location: Coahoma County, MS | Metro: Bolivar County, MS
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 | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $810 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,752 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,962 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,119 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,225 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4BR | $1,510 | $112,779 | 1.34% | A |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP code 38614 does not work favorably for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $890 for fiscal year 2026, exceeds the current market rent of $773 as reported by the Census ACS. This discrepancy suggests that landlords may struggle to charge rents high enough to cover costs aligned with the FMR guidelines.
Acquisition in this ZIP code is relatively affordable. With a median home value of $42,959, potential investors can secure properties at a lower cost compared to many other areas. However, the lack of available days on the market (DOM) data and a low 0.2% price-cut share indicate that the housing market might be stable but also somewhat unresponsive to typical fluctuations seen in more dynamic markets.
Tenant demand in ZIP 38614 is strong. The area has a population of 16,170, with 51.0% of residents being renters. This high percentage of renters signals a robust pool of potential tenants, which can help ensure steady occupancy rates for rental properties.
Verdict: While the acquisition of properties in ZIP 38614 is affordable, with median home values at $42,959, the rent math does not work well due to the disparity between the FMR of $890 and the actual market rent of $773. Despite this, there is a significant tenant demand, with over half of the local population renting. Landlords should carefully consider their investment strategy to ensure profitability, possibly by focusing on reducing operational costs or targeting properties below the median value to maximize returns.
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.