Location: Marion County, MS | Metro: Jefferson Davis County, MS
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,200 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,578 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,767 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,908 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP code 39421 include significant tenant turnover due to the disparity between the market rent of $908 and the Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $960 for fiscal year 2026. This difference can lead to increased vacancy exposure, especially considering that the days on market (DOM) for vacant properties is currently unknown, indicating a lack of historical data to predict how quickly units might be filled. Additionally, the typical home value in the area is $112,140, while the median income stands at $54,844. This suggests a possible deferred maintenance issue, as property owners may struggle to keep up with necessary repairs and improvements without sufficient financial resources.
Despite these challenges, the high renter share of 8.0% in ZIP 39421 presents a favorable scenario for landlords looking to engage with Section 8 tenants. High renter density generally correlates with higher demand for rental assistance vouchers, ensuring a steady stream of potential tenants who are financially supported by the government. This can help mitigate some of the risks associated with vacancy and turnover rates.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 39421.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.