Location: Jefferson County, MS | Metro: Claiborne 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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,546 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,754 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,150 | $94,783 | 1.21% | A |
| 4BR | $1,190 | $153,126 | 0.78% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Federal Housing Assistance Program, commonly known as Section 8, offers a structured way for landlords to receive rental payments from eligible low-income tenants. In ZIP code 39096, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2026 is set at $860. This figure represents the maximum amount that the government will pay towards rent for a unit in this area, based on the payment standard. It's important to note that this is not the total rent you can charge your tenant; rather, it's the cap on what the government will contribute.
While the local median rent for ZIP 39096 is not available, we can still make informed decisions based on the FMR. The 7.8% renter share indicates that nearly 8 out of every 100 residents in this area are likely to be looking for rental housing supported by Section 8. This suggests a steady demand for subsidized rentals, making it a viable option for landlords.
The average home value in ZIP 39096 is $127,705, which gives you an idea of the acquisition cost for a property in this area. When considering a Section 8 rental, ensure that your property meets the Housing Quality Standards (HQS), which are mandatory for all units participating in the program. These standards cover a range of safety and habitability issues and must be met before a tenant can move in.
To finalize your decision, verify that your property's rent is within the reasonable range set by the local housing authority. The $860 FMR is a guideline, but the actual rent you can charge may vary slightly depending on the specifics of your property and the local market conditions. However, the rent cannot exceed the FMR significantly without justification, which would typically involve unique features or higher quality of the unit compared to others in the area.
In summary, the $860 FMR in ZIP 39096 means that the government will pay up to this amount per month toward rent. With a 7.8% renter share and a median home value of $127,705, there is a solid foundation for demand and investment. Before proceeding, confirm that your property meets HQS requirements and that the rent you plan to charge is acceptable under the guidelines of the local housing authority.
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.