Location: Marion County, MS | Metro: Hattiesburg, MS MSA
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 | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $950 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,624 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,819 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,965 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,063 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,220 | $157,228 | 0.78% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 39429 does not work favorably for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $900 for the fiscal year 2024 is higher than the actual market rent, which stands at $806 according to the Census ACS data. This discrepancy suggests that landlords might struggle to charge the FMR without losing tenants to more competitively priced options.
Acquisition of properties in this area is relatively affordable. With a median home value of $133,230, it presents an opportunity for investors looking to purchase homes without spending excessively. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the low 0.2% share of homes that have had their prices cut indicate a potentially stable market where quick flips or rapid price adjustments are uncommon.
Tenant demand in ZIP 39429 is present but limited. The total population is 16,320, with 24.6% being renters. This translates to approximately 4,000 potential rental households. While this number is significant for local landlords, it may be insufficient for larger investment portfolios seeking high tenant turnover or rapid growth.
Verdict: ZIP 39429 offers a mixed picture for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The acquisition costs are affordable, making it a viable option for property purchases. However, the mismatch between the FMR and the actual market rent poses challenges for maximizing income. Tenant demand exists, but it is modest, which could limit the scale of operations for larger investors. For those willing to adjust rents to market levels and operate in a stable environment, ZIP 39429 can be a reasonable choice. Small-portfolio investors should focus on building a solid, long-term rental base rather than expecting high turnover or aggressive rent increases.
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.