Location: Red River Parish, LA | Metro: Bienville Parish, LA
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 | $640 |
| 1 Bedroom | $680 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $890 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,717 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,923 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,077 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,181 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,220 | $149,264 | 0.82% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 71068, located in Red River Parish, Louisiana, reveals several critical points for landlords and small-portfolio investors considering this area.
The rent math does not work favorably here. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $830, whereas the actual market rent as per the Census ACS is significantly lower at $393. This discrepancy indicates that landlords would struggle to achieve rents that match the FMR, leading to potential financial losses if they aim to charge closer to the government-set rate.
Acquisition of properties in this ZIP code is relatively affordable. The median home value stands at $113,373, which is a reasonable entry point for real estate investment. However, due to the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes needing price cuts, it's challenging to assess how quickly properties can be sold or if there is a need to adjust prices to facilitate sales.
Tenant demand in ZIP 71068 is moderate. With a total population of 3,482 and a renter share of 17.0%, there are approximately 592 potential renters. This number suggests that while there is a tenant base, it is limited and may not support a high volume of rental units without significant competition.
Verdict: Investing in ZIP 71068 presents challenges and opportunities. The low market rent compared to the FMR makes it difficult to achieve favorable rental income, potentially deterring investors looking for high returns. On the bright side, property acquisition is affordable, but the limited tenant pool means careful consideration of the number of units that can be profitably managed. Investors should focus on cost-effective management strategies and competitive pricing to succeed in this market.
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.