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 | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $840 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,030 | $133,310 | 0.77% | D |
| 3BR | $1,330 | $211,183 | 0.63% | D |
| 4BR | $1,460 | $271,334 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 39466, located in Picayune, MS, reveals a favorable environment for those seeking stable returns. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for this area in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1030, which is higher than the average market rent of $910 based on Census ACS data. This means that voucher tenants can generally provide positive cash flow at the HUD FMR rate, even when considering typical operating costs.
To further understand the dynamics of the market, the median home value in ZIP 39466 is $194,326. Using this figure, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio, which is an important metric for investors. With an average market rent of $910, the annual rent would be approximately $10,920. Dividing this by the median home value gives us a rent-to-price ratio of about 5.6%, indicating that rental income represents a significant portion of the property's value.
The median Days on Market (DOM) for homes in this area is 67 days, and the percentage of listings that required a price cut is a mere 0.2%. These figures suggest that the housing market is relatively efficient and that there is little pressure to reduce asking prices, which could affect the stability of rental incomes.
In conclusion, the strongest angle for Section 8 investors in ZIP 39466 is likely to be cashflow. Given the discrepancy between the HUD FMR and the market rent, investors can expect to generate positive cash flow from their properties, making it an attractive investment opportunity for those focused on generating regular income.
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.