Location: Sunflower 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 | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,427 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,598 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,726 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,812 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,220 | $138,854 | 0.88% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP 38759, the economics of Section 8 housing can be clearly outlined using specific figures. The SAFMR (Section 8 Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $880 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure is crucial because it represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay towards the rent of a two-bedroom unit in this ZIP code.
The local market rent, according to the Census ACS, is $1,115 per month for a similar two-bedroom unit. This difference highlights the challenge landlords face when participating in the Section 8 program. Landlords must understand that the voucher does not cover the entire market rent but rather up to the SAFMR limit.
A voucher payment consists of two parts: the tenant's contribution and the government subsidy. The tenant's portion is typically 30% of their adjusted income, which varies based on individual circumstances. Additionally, there are utility allowances that vary by region and can add a few hundred dollars to the total reimbursement. However, these allowances do not close the gap between the SAFMR and the market rent.
To illustrate, if a tenant's portion plus any applicable utility allowance totals $235, then the government would subsidize the remaining amount up to the SAFMR of $880. This means the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $880. In ZIP 38759, where the market rent is $1,115, this leaves a monthly gap of $235 that the landlord must either absorb or seek to fill through other means.
Landlords should also consider that the SAFMR is specific to this ZIP code, meaning it reflects the rental rates in this particular area. If the property's market value exceeds the SAFMR, the landlord will have to decide whether to accept the lower reimbursement or find a different type of tenant.
In summary, for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 38759, landlords can expect a reimbursement of up to $880 from the Section 8 program. Given the local market rent of $1,115, this results in a typical reimbursement gap of $235 per month, which the landlord must manage independently.
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.