Location: Jackson, MS | Metro: Jackson, MS HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $1,160 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,170 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,790 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,076 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,325 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,511 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,637 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,360 | $161,265 | 0.84% | C |
| 3BR | $1,620 | $209,215 | 0.77% | D |
| 4BR | $1,790 | $282,638 | 0.63% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 39208, located in Pearl, MS, is part of the Jackson, MS HUD Metro FMR Area. Its Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,170. To contextualize this figure, the average FMR for a two-bedroom home in the Jackson, MS HUD Metro FMR Area for fiscal year 2025 is $1,232. This suggests that Pearl has a slightly below-average FMR compared to the broader Jackson metro area.
The market rent for ZIP 39208 is listed at $1,452, which is higher than the FMR but remains within a reasonable range. This gap indicates that landlords can achieve a moderate profit margin while complying with Section 8 guidelines. The home value in Pearl stands at $211,746, positioning it in the middle range of home values within the Jackson metro area. This suggests that Pearl is neither the most expensive nor the least costly area.
A significant factor to consider is the renter share in Pearl, which is 35.3%. This percentage is notably high, indicating a substantial portion of residents are renters. When combined with the below-average home values for the metro, it signals a favorable environment for Section 8 investments. High renter share with lower home values often signifies an area where rental properties can attract a large number of tenants who qualify for housing assistance.
Based on the comparison, ZIP 39208 appears to be a value pocket within the Jackson metro area. The slightly below-average FMR and home values, coupled with a higher-than-average renter share, indicate that it offers good opportunities for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in the Section 8 program. This combination makes it a promising location for rental investments that cater to assisted housing tenants.
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.