Location: Greene County, MS | Metro: George 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 | $830 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $910 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,120 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,531 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,715 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,852 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,945 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $910 | $117,729 | 0.77% | D |
| 3BR | $1,120 | $139,803 | 0.8% | C |
| 4BR | $1,320 | $199,020 | 0.66% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 39451, Leakesville, Mississippi, is set at $870 for the fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the payment standard under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which is the amount that the government will pay to landlords on behalf of eligible tenants. It's important to note that this is not the rent you can charge; it's the maximum subsidy the government will provide.
To put this into context, the average rent in the area, according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), is $827. This indicates that the FMR is slightly above the market rate, providing a marginally better deal for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
The renter share in Leakesville is 15.8%, meaning nearly one in six residents are renters. This suggests there is a reasonable demand for rental properties, particularly those that cater to lower-income individuals who might qualify for the Section 8 program.
When acquiring a property for Section 8 rentals, the median home value in the area is around $149,421. This figure should be considered alongside potential rental income and the costs associated with maintaining and managing a rental property.
Before deciding to take the plunge into Section 8 rentals, one critical step is to verify that the property meets the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These standards ensure that the property is safe, decent, and sanitary, and they must be met for the unit to be approved for the program. Failure to comply with these standards could result in the denial of your application or penalties if already enrolled.
In summary, the FMR of $870 provides a clear benchmark for the government subsidy available in Leakesville. With an average market rent of $827 and a 15.8% renter share, there is a viable opportunity for landlords. However, the median home value of $149,421 underscores the need for careful financial planning. Ensuring your property meets HQS is the key verification step before you proceed with a Section 8 rental.
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.