Location: Lincoln Parish, LA | Metro: Monroe, 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 | $750 |
| 1 Bedroom | $780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 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 | $1,270 | $239,295 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 housing market in ZIP code 71235, located in Lincoln Parish, LA, presents a nuanced investment opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for this area in fiscal year 2024 is $820 per month. In comparison, the Census American Community Survey (ACS) reports the average market rent at $907 per month.
Voucher tenants in ZIP 71235 will only cashflow at the HUD FMR rate if they occupy premium units that command higher rents due to their quality or location. For standard units, landlords can expect marginal cashflow, if any, given the discrepancy between the FMR and the actual market rates. This suggests that investors should focus on properties that offer additional amenities or are situated in more desirable areas to justify the higher rent necessary for positive cashflow.
The median home value in ZIP 71235 is $204,547. Using the HUD FMR of $820, the rent-to-price ratio is approximately 0.00496, or about 0.5%. This indicates that rental income alone would take a long time to cover the cost of a typical home in this area, suggesting that the primary driver for investment returns would likely be property appreciation rather than cashflow.
Note that the median Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut are not available for this ZIP code. However, the lack of these figures does not significantly impact the overall analysis since the primary focus remains on the rent-to-price ratio and the FMR versus market rent comparison.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP 71235 is property appreciation, given the relatively low median home value and the potential for steady growth in the real estate market. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to build long-term equity through real estate investments.
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.