Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 70426 - 2027

Location: Washington Parish, LA | Metro: Washington Parish, LA

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$770
1 Bedroom	$820
2 Bedrooms	$890
3 Bedrooms	$1,240
4 Bedrooms	$1,430
5 Bedrooms	$1,659
6 Bedrooms	$1,858
7 Bedrooms	$2,007
8 Bedrooms	$2,107

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

6,090

Median Household Income

$29,821

Housing Units

2,586

Renter Percentage

32.6%

Occupancy Rate

80.6%

Renter Occupied

680

The ZIP code 70426, located in the heart of Ascension Parish, Louisiana, offers a stable real estate market for both landlords and small-portfolio investors. This area is characterized by its suburban charm, with easy access to New Orleans and Baton Rouge, making it a desirable location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still being close to major urban centers.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment in the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $850, indicating a reasonable rental price point for the area.
Market rent, according to the latest Census American Community Survey (ACS), stands at $639 for a similar unit, suggesting that properties priced closer to the FMR may attract higher-quality tenants.
The median home value in ZIP 70426 is $144,168, which reflects the affordable nature of the housing market here and allows for potential rental income generation at lower acquisition costs.
Renters make up 32.6% of the housing market, showing a significant portion of the population that prefers leasing over owning, which is favorable for landlords.
The median income of residents is $29,821, which can be considered when setting rental prices to ensure affordability for the majority of potential tenants.
Despite the lack of specific data on days on market (DOM), the combination of a steady rental demand and a lower median home value suggests that properties in this area should sell or lease relatively quickly.

Investors looking to enter the ZIP 70426 market can expect a stable yet modest return, given the alignment between the FMR and market rent. The relatively low median home value and income levels indicate a need for competitive pricing to attract tenants, but also present opportunities for positive cash flow due to the substantial renter share. Properties priced near the FMR will likely appeal to a broad tenant base, ensuring occupancy rates remain high. Overall, the area's proximity to larger cities combined with its suburban setting makes it an attractive investment opportunity for those who can navigate the local economic conditions effectively.

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.