Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 39459 - 2027

Location: Jones County, MS | Metro: Hattiesburg, MS MSA

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$780
1 Bedroom	$850
2 Bedrooms	$1,050
3 Bedrooms	$1,290
4 Bedrooms	$1,500
5 Bedrooms	$1,740
6 Bedrooms	$1,949
7 Bedrooms	$2,105
8 Bedrooms	$2,210

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

3,705

Median Household Income

$53,581

Housing Units

1,524

Renter Percentage

14.0%

Occupancy Rate

87.7%

Renter Occupied

187

A landlord considering ZIP 39459 for a Section 8 investment must follow a structured decision-making process. Here's how to proceed:

Step 1: Clearing Debt Service

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 39459 in fiscal year 2024 is $1030. To determine if this amount can cover the debt service on a property valued at $187,185, calculate the monthly mortgage payment based on typical financing terms. Assuming a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at an interest rate of 4%, the monthly payment would be approximately $910. The FMR of $1030 does clear this debt service, leaving a buffer of $120 per month.

Step 2: Market Rent vs. FMR

The average market rent in ZIP 39459 is $570 according to the Census ACS. This figure is below the FMR of $1030, indicating that landlords could potentially charge higher rents under Section 8 without significantly exceeding market rates. This suggests a positive outlook for maintaining occupancy levels.

Step 3: Rental Demand

Rental demand is measured by the percentage of renters and the days on market (DOM). In ZIP 39459, 14.0% of residents are renters, and the DOM is listed as N/A. The lack of DOM data makes it difficult to assess the speed at which rental properties are occupied. However, with 14.0% of the population renting, there is a modest base of potential tenants. Given the lower market rent compared to FMR, it is likely that demand will meet supply, but the absence of DOM data introduces uncertainty.

Decision Tree

If the answer to Step 1 is yes, and the FMR comfortably exceeds the monthly debt service, proceed to Step 2.
In Step 2, if the market rent is below the FMR, this indicates a favorable condition where Section 8 rents are higher than what the market typically offers. This supports a positive decision.
Step 3 presents a critical evaluation point. With 14.0% of residents being renters and market rents below FMR, the demand appears sufficient. However, the N/A DOM status means that while there is demand, the velocity of tenancy cannot be accurately assessed. This leads to an "it depends" conclusion, contingent upon further investigation into the local rental market dynamics.

Conclusion

Based on the available data, a landlord can pursue a Section 8 investment in ZIP 39459, given that the FMR exceeds the debt service and is higher than market rent. However, the decision hinges on the rental demand's robustness, which requires additional research due to the missing DOM data. A thorough understanding of the local rental market will provide the final piece of the puzzle needed to make a confident investment decision.

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.