Location: St. James Parish, LA | Metro: St. James Parish, LA 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 | $1,070 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,090 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,980 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,150 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,494 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,016 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,167 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,980 | $215,520 | 0.92% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 70052, located within the St. James Parish, LA HUD Metro FMR Area, has a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1140 for fiscal year 2024. This figure is slightly lower than the market rent of $1,236, indicating that while it is affordable for renters, there is still a slight premium when compared to the FMR set by HUD. The median home value in ZIP 70052 is $206,147, which is on par with the average home values seen across the parish. With a renter share of 17.8%, it falls within the typical range for ZIP codes in this area.
To determine if ZIP 70052 is a value pocket, a mid-tier neighborhood, or a premium sub-market, we must consider the relationship between these figures. A value pocket typically has lower-than-average market rents and home values, alongside a higher-than-average renter share. A mid-tier neighborhood would have average metrics across the board, while a premium sub-market might exhibit higher-than-average market rents and home values.
In ZIP 70052, the market rent is just above the FMR, suggesting a modest premium but not significantly so. The home value is consistent with the broader parish averages, and the renter share is within expected norms. These factors collectively suggest that ZIP 70052 is likely a mid-tier neighborhood within the St. James Parish, LA HUD Metro FMR Area.
However, the divergence between the FMR and market rent, combined with the home value being in line with expectations, points to an area where landlords can expect to receive a fair return on investment without pricing themselves out of the reach of potential tenants. While not a standout value pocket due to its average home value, it does offer some advantages for those looking to attract Section 8 tenants given the slightly lower FMR compared to the market rent.
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.