Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 70769 - 2027

Investment Score for ZIP 70769

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	$1,130
1 Bedroom	$1,160
2 Bedrooms	$1,310
3 Bedrooms	$1,660
4 Bedrooms	$2,100
5 Bedrooms	$2,436
6 Bedrooms	$2,728
7 Bedrooms	$2,946
8 Bedrooms	$3,093

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	$1,310	$216,280	0.61%	D
3BR	$1,660	$286,626	0.58%	F
4BR	$2,100	$411,802	0.51%	F
5BR	$2,436	$517,143	0.47%	F

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

### Market Analysis for ZIP Code 70769 (Prairieville, LA) #### Section 8 Voucher Dynamics The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 70769 is set by HUD for 2026, with the following figures: - 0BR: $1170 - 1BR: $1200 - 2BR: $1360 (14.9% of median income) - 3BR: $1710 - 4BR: $2190 These FMRs represent the maximum rent that a Section 8 voucher holder can pay for a unit of a given size. However, the actual rents in Prairieville, particularly for 2BR units, are significantly higher. The Zillow median price for a 2BR unit is $211,645, which translates into a rental cost that is approximately 13 times the FMR. This suggests that the actual rental market is much pricier than what the vouchers cover. For instance, a 2BR unit priced at $211,645 would likely have a monthly rent far exceeding the $1360 FMR limit. Given these dynamics, voucher holders face significant constraints. They must find properties where landlords are willing to accept the lower payment levels covered by the vouchers. This could be challenging in a market where rents are so high relative to the FMR. #### Affordability & Renter Profile The median household income in Prairieville is $109,404, which places it in a relatively affluent category. Only 12.3% of the population are renters, indicating a low demand for rental housing compared to owner-occupied homes. The occupancy rate of 94.4% suggests that the rental market is quite tight, with few vacancies available. Considering the high median income and low percentage of renters, those who do rent in Prairieville are likely to be individuals or families who choose renting over buying due to lifestyle preferences or financial considerations. The high price-to-FMR ratio indicates that the rental market is not affordable for most voucher recipients, who would struggle to find suitable housing within their budget. #### Investor Angle From an investor’s perspective, the ZIP code 70769 presents both opportunities and challenges. The high median home value and rental prices suggest a strong potential for cash flow if investors can secure properties at or below the FMR. However, the reality is that the market is dominated by higher-priced rentals, making it difficult to find properties that align with the FMR guidelines. To determine whether this ZIP code is cash-flow positive at FMR, we need to consider the typical rental costs versus the FMR. Given that the Zillow median for a 2BR unit is $211,645, and assuming a conservative rental yield of 5%, the monthly rent would be around $881.85. This is well below the FMR of $1360 for a 2BR unit, suggesting that there could be positive cash flow opportunities for investors who can negotiate rents close to the FMR. However, the challenge lies in finding landlords willing to accept these lower rents. The tight market and high prices indicate that competition for rental properties is fierce, and landlords may prefer higher-paying tenants over those relying on Section 8 vouchers. #### Specific Actionable Insights 1. **Focus on Smaller Units**: Given the high price-to-FMR ratio, investors should focus on smaller units like 0BR and 1BR apartments, where the gap between actual rents and FMR is less pronounced. For example, a 1BR unit with an FMR of $1200 might still generate positive cash flow if the actual rent is closer to this amount. 2. **Target Affordable Neighborhoods**: Investors should look for neighborhoods within Prairieville that have lower-than-average rental prices. These areas might offer better chances of securing properties at or near the FMR, thus maximizing the potential for positive cash flow. #### Bottom Line For Section 8-focused investors, the ZIP code 70769 presents a mixed picture. While there are opportunities for positive cash flow, especially with smaller units, the overall rental market is not aligned with the FMR guidelines. The high price-to-FMR ratio and tight market conditions make it challenging to find properties that will attract voucher holders. Therefore, the recommendation for investors is to **Hold** on to existing investments but **Skip** new acquisitions in this area unless they can identify specific niches or neighborhoods that are more affordable and likely to attract Section 8 tenants.

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.