Location: Pearl River County, MS | Metro: Stone County, 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 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 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 | $1,350 | $220,518 | 0.61% | D |
| 5BR | $1,624 | $116,417 | 1.39% | A |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 39455 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $900. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers, meaning it's the maximum amount the government will pay toward your tenant's rent. It does not represent the total rent you can charge; rather, it's a benchmark to ensure rents are affordable and fair.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in ZIP 39455, based on Census American Community Survey (ACS) data, is $913. This suggests that the FMR is slightly below the market rate, indicating a potential gap between what the government pays and what you might aim to collect from the tenant's portion of the rent.
The demand for rentals in this area is relatively strong, with 13.1% of the population being renters. This statistic points to a healthy rental market, but it also means that landlords should be prepared to compete with other rental properties for tenants. The FMR helps ensure that Section 8 participants can find housing in this competitive environment.
When considering acquiring a property in ZIP 39455, keep in mind that the median home value is approximately $114,218. This figure gives you an idea of the typical price range for homes in the area, which is important for budgeting and financial planning when entering the Section 8 market.
A crucial verification step before committing to a Section 8 rental property is to confirm that the property meets all the required standards for habitability and safety. The Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection ensures that the unit is safe, decent, and sanitary. Landlords must pass this inspection to be eligible for the program, so make sure your property complies with these regulations.
In summary, the FMR of $900 provides a guideline for the government's contribution to your tenant's rent, while the local average rent of $913 indicates the market rate. With a 13.1% renter share, there is a solid demand for rental units, and the median home value of $114,218 helps frame the typical investment level in this area. Before finalizing your decision, ensure your property passes the HQS inspection to avoid any last-minute surprises.
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.