Location: Lafayette County, MS | Metro: Calhoun 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 | $950 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,120 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,120 | $103,156 | 1.09% | B |
| 3BR | $1,390 | $140,527 | 0.99% | C |
| 4BR | $1,490 | $225,406 | 0.66% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 38915, which encompasses the Bruce, MS, Calhoun County, and Lafayette County metro area, reveals a favorable environment for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro scope in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,170, significantly higher than the average market rent of $638 reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS).
This disparity between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent indicates that voucher tenants can cashflow comfortably at the FMR rate. Landlords can expect a strong positive cashflow from Section 8 tenants without the need for premium units. The median home value in the area is $134,574, leading to a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.47%, suggesting that rental properties are undervalued relative to their potential income.
While the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that experienced price cuts are not applicable (N/A), these metrics typically do not influence the rent-versus-buy dynamics in this scenario. The primary focus remains on the robust cashflow potential due to the substantial gap between the HUD FMR and local market rents.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 38915 is cashflow. Given the low market rent and high HUD FMR, landlords can secure steady and significant cashflow from Section 8 tenants, making it an attractive investment opportunity.
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.