Location: Winn Parish, LA | Metro: Bienville Parish, LA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $630 |
| 1 Bedroom | $700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $890 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 71070, located in Winn Parish, LA, reveals several key points for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The rent math does not favor landlords in this area. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area, set at $930 for fiscal year 2026, significantly exceeds the actual market rent of $677 as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). This gap suggests that setting rents at the FMR level will likely result in vacancies, as tenants may find it difficult to meet the higher rental costs.
Acquisition appears to be relatively affordable given the median home value of $122,798. However, without specific data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes needing price cuts to sell, it's challenging to provide a definitive assessment on how easy it would be to acquire properties at fair market values. Landlords should proceed with caution and consider negotiating for lower prices if possible.
Tenant demand is modest in ZIP 71070, with a total population of 1,721 and only 15.0% of residents being renters. This low renter share indicates a smaller pool of potential tenants, which could make it harder to fill units and maintain occupancy rates.
Verdict: ZIP 71070 presents a mixed picture for real estate investment. While property acquisition might be affordable due to the median home value, the mismatch between FMR and market rent, along with limited tenant demand, poses significant challenges. Investors should carefully consider these factors before committing to rental properties in this area. Adjusting expectations for rental income and being prepared to compete for a smaller number of renters are crucial steps for success in this market.
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.