Location: Walthall County, MS | Metro: Marion County, MS
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $910 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,290 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,183 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,358 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,476 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The real estate landscape in ZIP code 39483, marked by a median home value of $141,536, suggests a market where pricing power remains stable but not necessarily strong. The absence of data on the percentage of listings that have been reduced and the median days on market (DOM) indicates a lack of recent volatility or significant changes in demand, which could imply a steady but unexciting market condition.
On the rental side, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,050 for the fiscal year 2026 contrasts sharply with the current market rate of $887, based on Census ACS data. This gap signals an opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors to potentially increase rents closer to the FMR level, assuming the local economy supports such increases. However, it's important to note that rental rates are influenced by factors beyond just the FMR, including local job growth, population trends, and competition from other housing types.
For long-term investors, the setup in ZIP 39483 offers a realistic appreciation thesis rooted in gradual growth rather than rapid escalation. With the median home value remaining relatively low and the potential for rental rate increases, investors can expect modest gains over the next 12 to 24 months. These gains will likely be driven by a combination of steady property value appreciation and higher rental income, rather than speculative bubbles or sudden shifts in the market.
The key to success in this ZIP code for landlords and small-portfolio investors lies in maintaining properties efficiently and positioning them competitively within the local rental market. As the FMR approaches, those who can manage their properties effectively to meet the higher standards implied by the FMR will find themselves in a stronger position to command higher rents. Additionally, keeping an eye on broader economic indicators such as employment rates and migration patterns will help investors understand when the time is right to adjust their strategies.
In summary, ZIP 39483 presents a market where stability is the watchword. Investors should focus on the fundamentals of property management and gradual improvements to capture the potential for increased rental income and modest property value appreciation. The data does not suggest a high-risk, high-reward scenario but rather a consistent, reliable environment for long-term investment.
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.