Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 39501 - 2027

Location: Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | Metro: Gulfport-Biloxi, MS HUD Metro FMR Area

Investment Score for ZIP 39501

B
Monthly Rent (2BR)
$1,060
Median Price (2BR)
$97,009
1% Rule
1.09%
Annual Yield
13.11%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size Monthly FMR
Studio$750
1 Bedroom$880
2 Bedrooms$1,060
3 Bedrooms$1,360
4 Bedrooms$1,540
5 Bedrooms$1,786
6 Bedrooms$2,000
7 Bedrooms$2,160
8 Bedrooms$2,268

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms Monthly FMR Median Price 1% Rule Grade
2BR $1,060 $97,009 1.09% B
3BR $1,360 $114,878 1.18% B
4BR $1,540 $141,021 1.09% B

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population
22,565
Median Household Income
$34,758
Housing Units
10,501
Renter Percentage
60.3%
Occupancy Rate
83.5%
Renter Occupied
5,288

In Gulfport, Mississippi (ZIP 39501), the real estate market presents a nuanced landscape for both landlords and small-portfolio investors. The median home value stands at $115,002, indicating a relatively affordable housing market. However, recent trends show that only 0.2% of listings have reduced their asking price, suggesting strong seller's market conditions where homes are likely selling close to their initial asking prices.

The median days on market (DOM) is 32 days, which is a short period, implying that homes are moving quickly once they hit the market. This quick turnover rate, coupled with the low percentage of price reductions, signals robust pricing power for sellers over the next 12-24 months. Landlords can leverage this to maintain or even slightly increase rental rates, given the limited supply of homes and the demand for them.

On the rental side, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 39501 is set at $1,060 for fiscal year 2024, while the actual market rent, as measured by ZORI, is $1,118. This indicates that the rental market is slightly outpacing the government's FMR estimates, providing a modest buffer for landlords to cover costs and earn a profit. The gap between FMR and market rents suggests that Gulfport's rental market remains competitive and potentially profitable for landlords who can manage properties effectively.

For long-term investors, the setup implies a steady but not explosive appreciation thesis. The market's affordability and quick sales suggest a stable growth trajectory rather than a rapid increase in property values. Investors should expect moderate capital appreciation, aligning with broader economic trends and local development projects. However, the primary focus should remain on cash flow management and rental income stability, given the slight premium in market rents over FMR.

To summarize, the combination of a low median home value, minimal price reductions, and swift sales times in Gulfport points towards a seller-friendly market with solid pricing power. Rental dynamics support this view, with market rents exceeding FMR estimates. Long-term investors should anticipate gradual appreciation and concentrate on optimizing rental yields and maintaining consistent cash flows.

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.