Location: Morehouse Parish, LA | Metro: Morehouse Parish, 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $890 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,180 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,180 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,533 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,656 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $1,739 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,180 | $110,961 | 1.06% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 71261 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $820. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 program, which is a government-subsidized housing assistance program. It's important to note that this is not the rent that tenants will pay out-of-pocket; rather, it's the total rent that the Housing Authority will cover on behalf of the tenant, up to this limit.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in ZIP 71261, according to recent Census American Community Survey (ACS) data, is $585. This means that if you participate in the Section 8 program, you could potentially increase your rental income by about $235 per month compared to the market average. However, the actual rent paid by the Housing Authority might be less than $820, depending on the tenant's income and the rent calculations.
The demand for rentals in ZIP 71261 is strong, with 42.9% of residents being renters. This indicates a significant portion of the population who may need subsidized housing, making Section 8 properties particularly attractive. The median household income in this area is around $85,974, which can help guide decisions on property acquisition costs. Given this income level, properties that are priced reasonably but still offer decent returns could be a good investment.
Before deciding to convert a property to a Section 8 rental, there is one critical factor to verify: the property must meet all the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) required by the local Housing Authority. These standards ensure that the property is safe, decent, and sanitary for tenants. Failure to comply with HQS can result in disqualification from the program, so it's essential to check and possibly renovate the property to meet these requirements.
In summary, participating in the Section 8 program in ZIP 71261 can provide a stable source of income, albeit with some regulatory oversight. The FMR of $820 offers a higher potential rental rate than the current market average of $585, and the significant renter share suggests a robust demand for affordable housing options. Ensure your property meets the necessary quality standards to avoid any issues once enrolled in the program.
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.