Location: Oktibbeha County, MS | Metro: Lowndes County, MS
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,060 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 39743, located in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi, reveals several key points regarding its suitability for real estate investment, particularly for landlords and small-portfolio investors interested in the Section 8 housing program.
First, let's examine if the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $960. However, the current market rent, according to Census ACS data, is $859. This indicates that the rental income from Section 8 tenants would be higher than the current market rate, making it financially viable for landlords to participate in the program.
Second, we must assess whether property acquisition is affordable. With a median home value of $147,895, the cost of entry into this market is relatively low compared to other areas. Unfortunately, the data does not provide the number of days on market (DOM) or the percentage of homes that required price cuts before selling. These missing metrics make it difficult to fully evaluate the ease of acquiring properties, but the low median home value suggests affordability.
Lastly, we need to consider the tenant demand. The population of ZIP 39743 is 1,713, with a renter share of 20.3%. This means that approximately 348 individuals are potential renters, creating a steady demand for rental properties. Given the size of the population, this demand is significant and could support a small portfolio of rental units.
In conclusion, ZIP 39743 presents a favorable environment for real estate investment through the Section 8 program. The higher FMR compared to the market rent ensures a positive cash flow for landlords. The low median home value makes property acquisition affordable, although additional metrics such as DOM and price-cut shares would provide a more comprehensive picture. With a solid renter base, there is sufficient tenant demand to support rental investments. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should find this ZIP code attractive for generating stable rental income.
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.