Location: Pearl River County, MS | Metro: Gulfport-Biloxi, 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 | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,694 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,897 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,049 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,151 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,330 | $254,025 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $1,460 | $333,955 | 0.44% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 39426 in Pearl River County, Mississippi, reveals a favorable environment for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area is set at $1200 for the fiscal year 2024, which is notably higher than the market rent of $900 reported by the Census American Community Survey (ACS).
This discrepancy indicates that voucher tenants can cashflow at the FMR, providing a significant financial advantage over typical market rents. With the median home value in ZIP 39426 being $254,144, the rent-to-price ratio stands at approximately 0.35%, suggesting that rental properties are undervalued relative to their purchase price.
The median days on market (DOM) is not available for this analysis, but the low price-cut share of 0.2% implies strong buyer demand, which can influence rental market dynamics. However, given the disparity between the HUD FMR and market rent, the impact of rent-vs-buy dynamics is minimal compared to the potential for positive cashflow.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 39426 is cashflow, due to the high HUD FMR compared to the actual market rent. This allows landlords to secure tenants who can pay above-average rent, leading to a profitable investment strategy without relying on property appreciation or stability alone.
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.