Location: Alexandria, LA | Metro: Alexandria, LA MSA
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 | $680 |
| 1 Bedroom | $710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $900 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,601 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,793 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,936 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,033 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,210 | $216,572 | 0.56% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 71346, located in Rapides Parish, Alexandria, LA MSA metro, reveals a favorable environment for rental properties. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 stands at $820, significantly above the market rent of $710 as reported by the Census ACS. This means that voucher tenants will cashflow at the FMR rate, providing a margin of $110 per month over the average market rent.
To further understand the investment potential, consider the median home value of $146,081. Using the market rent figure of $710, we can calculate a rent-to-price ratio of approximately 0.48%, indicating that the area is primarily rental-focused. This low ratio suggests that buying a home in this ZIP code would not be as financially advantageous compared to renting out properties.
The dynamics of days on market (DOM) and price cut percentages, however, are not available for this analysis. Despite this limitation, the significant difference between the HUD FMR and the market rent strongly supports the viability of Section 8 investments in this area.
In conclusion, the strongest angle for investors in ZIP 71346 is cashflow. Given the substantial gap between the HUD FMR and the actual market rent, landlords and small-portfolio investors can expect positive financial returns from Section 8 properties without needing to rely on premium unit pricing.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.